Lagos Maps 1,700 Informal Locations as Documentation Exercise Begins

The Lagos State Government has commenced a statewide documentation exercise for occupants of setbacks, roadsides, common areas and other informal urban spaces, following the mapping of more than 1,700 informal locations across the state.

The exercise was announced in a public notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olayinka Adebayo, and made available to a national daily on Wednesday.

The notice stated that the initiative is being conducted under the Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project, SCRAMP, and is being implemented by the ministry in collaboration with the Lagos State Informal Sector Management Authority, LASISMA, and Octragon Multi-Projects Limited.

Adebayo said the documentation followed the completion of mapping and months of stakeholder engagements, and was aimed at regulating the use of public land in line with the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended.

The notice directed all existing occupants of informal spaces to present documents supporting their occupation for verification. Verified occupants will be granted “right of first refusal” subject to compliance, while prospective applicants may apply for temporary occupation licences or other approved forms of occupancy.

The government said the project seeks to address indiscriminate occupation and illegal conversion of public spaces, and will create a comprehensive inventory to guide management and preserve land for infrastructure.

Affected residents and businesses have been directed to submit documents via the SCRAMP online portal or at designated Octragon and LASISMA offices statewide.

The government urged cooperation, saying the exercise will promote orderly urban development and efficient use of public land.

“In Lagos, every square metre of land matters,” the notice read.