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By Lukman Olabiyi
Former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has criticised the excessive number of agencies regulating constructions in the state, arguing that it creates obstacles for investors.
He made the remark while delivering the keynote address at the two-day Physical Planning Summit, themed “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Mega City,” organized by the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Fashola acknowledged the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in improving infrastructure, but emphasized the need to streamline the permitting process by reducing the number of regulatory agencies.
He also highlighted the importance of establishing talent support facilities to address youth unemployment.
Fashola called on the state government to expedite action on the completion of Epe Waste Collector and Recycling plant, Olusosun, Adiyan Water project, phase two.
He also tasked Sanwo-Olu to execute more housing projects and reclaim of the BRT lanes from commercial transporter.
Besides, the former governor implored the state government to expand waterways transportation and embracing sports and entertainment as panacea to youth unemployment in the country.
Sanwo-Olu, described the theme as crucial for reshaping Lagos’s future and realizing the vision of a smart city.
He encouraged town planners to adopt innovative practices aligned with international standards to support the T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS agenda for transforming Lagos into a 21st-century mega city.
Oluyinka Olumide, the state’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, noted that the summit is aimed to position the state for investment opportunities as outlined in the Operative Development Plans (ODPs). Experts in urban planning, legal and policy analysis, risk management, and project finance were invited to explore sustainable development strategies for implementing these plans.
