South-West Commissioners Advocate Coordinated Urban Planning for Regional Development
In a landmark meeting held in Ikeja, commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development from six states in Nigeria's South-West region have issued a strong call for a coordinated approach to address pressing urban, infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges. The meeting, hosted by Lagos State, brought together key policy stakeholders to discuss strategies for revamping the region's glory and positioning it as an epicentre of all-round development.
Addressing Rapid Urban Growth and Challenges
Dr Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, highlighted the region's rapid urban growth, increasing population, migration, and expanding economic activity. He noted that while the South-West remains Nigeria's most dynamic region, full of opportunities for growth and innovation, it faces significant planning and development challenges. These include accelerating urban expansion, infrastructure deficits, housing shortages, insecurity pressures, and the complexity of managing growth corridors that connect states.
"These issues do not respect state boundaries and cannot be effectively addressed by any single state acting alone," Olumide emphasized. He stressed that the inaugural meeting represents a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in physical planning, urban development, and sustainable land governance.
Call for Regional Integration and Cooperation
Olatunji Odunlami, the Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, echoed the need for collaboration, stating, "We need to look inward into our region to see how we can collaborate on so many aspects. You cannot develop anywhere without a coherent plan." He referenced past cooperation when the region was more unified, suggesting a return to such collaborative efforts.
Waheed Kadiri, a past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), spoke on the case for regional integration, urging a focus on satisfying basic needs rather than competitive Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) metrics. He warned that prioritizing revenue over people can lead to rich states but poor residents, undermining overall development.
Urgency in Tackling Developmental Challenges
Dr Seye Oyeleye, Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that the South-West no longer has the luxury to work in isolation. "We must work together to tackle evolving developmental challenges," he said. Oyeleye pointed out that Lagos State, in particular, bears the brunt of rural-urban migration challenges, and issues from Northern Nigeria are increasingly affecting the region, necessitating a unified response.
The stakeholders emphasized that coordinated thinking, institutional cooperation, shared standards, and a common regional vision are essential for creating a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready South-West. They appealed to leaders to prioritize the common good and the wellbeing of millions of citizens who depend on decisions related to shelter, mobility, safety, and livelihoods.
This meeting marks a significant step towards fostering regional integration and addressing the complex urban and infrastructure issues facing the South-West, with a focus on sustainable development and improved quality of life for its residents.
