The Lagos State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association (BIPORAL) to enhance the functionality and sustainability of the highbrow island.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, during a courtesy visit by the association to the Ministry on Friday.
Olumide underscored the need for a comprehensive review of the island’s layout, noting that such an exercise was vital to ensuring the estate’s optimal functionality and long-term development.
While commending the association for engaging the government proactively, the Commissioner highlighted key areas of focus, including infrastructural improvements, enhanced accessibility, enforcement of the approval order, and strict control of illegal extensions within the estate.
“As regards the issue of accessibility, for example, a critical challenge that must be solved is the fact that there is only one access leading in and out of the estate. So, urgent collaborative effort is required to address the problem and improve the overall efficiency and security of the island,” Olumide stated.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, described the initiative as a positive development, noting that the partnership between the Lagos State Government and BIPORAL would help reclaim and advance the vision of the elite residential enclave.
According to him, the collaboration’s outcome would serve as a model for other estates across the state, promoting orderly growth and improved urban management.
Earlier, the Chairman of BIPORAL, Ambassador Abidemi Sonoiki, appealed for the government’s support in sanitising the estate and strengthening its structural efficiency. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ensuring Banana Island’s orderly development in alignment with state planning standards.
