By Lukman Olabiyi
Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has criticised the excessive number of agencies regulating construction in the state, arguing that it creates obstacles for investors.
He made these remarks 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,” organised by the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The summit was organised by the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Fashola acknowledged the efforts of current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in improving infrastructure but emphasised 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 the Epe Waste Collector and Recycling plant, Olusosun, Adiyan Water project, phase two.
He also tasked Governor Sanwo-Olu to execute more housing projects and reclaim of the BRT lanes from commercial transporters.
The ex-governor implored the state government to expand waterways transportation and embrace sports and entertainment as a panacea to youth unemployment in the country.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who opened the summit, described the theme as crucial for reshaping Lagos’s future and realising 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 megacity.
Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the state’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, noted that the summit aims 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.