The Lagos State Government has declared that creating new towns is no longer a choice but an essential step to manage its overwhelming population density, scarce land, and overburdened infrastructure. This position was clearly outlined by the state's Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide.
Addressing Unprecedented Urban Growth
Dr. Olumide spoke at the 4th annual Real Estate Summit organized by UPDC Plc in Lagos. He explained that the speed at which Lagos is expanding has completely surpassed traditional models of city growth. With an estimated 25 million people living on just 0.4% of Nigeria's total land area, the commissioner emphasized that the megacity is dealing with a congestion crisis that requires intentional and creative planning solutions.
He noted that Lagos, which is Nigeria's smallest state by size but the most urbanized, constantly attracts a high volume of migrants from across the country and beyond. This ongoing influx places tremendous strain on available land, the housing market, transport systems, and the environment. The result has been urban sprawl, unregulated settlements, and environmental dangers that compromise the city's long-term livability.
A Strategy for Redistribution and Resilience
According to the commissioner, developing new towns is now a core part of the government's plan to redistribute population growth and promote orderly expansion into less developed areas. The state is actively revising its development plans, extending physical planning schemes, and partnering with private developers. The goal is to ensure that emerging communities are built according to approved, master-planned layouts, avoiding the chaotic patterns that historically led to slums and infrastructure gaps.
Olumide also pointed to environmental vulnerabilities, particularly flooding, as a major reason for the new town initiative. He stated that natural drainage paths on Lagos Island and nearby areas have been blocked by human activities, leaving many neighborhoods at risk. New towns designed with modern drainage, protected corridors, and climate-resilient plans are seen as vital for reducing these environmental threats.
Challenges and Collaborative Opportunities
The commissioner did not shy away from the difficulties ahead. He acknowledged persistent issues like land acquisition disputes, encroachment on government land, funding shortages, and inconsistent adherence to planning rules. Solving these problems, he stressed, is crucial for building durable communities and ensuring blueprints are successfully turned into reality.
On partnerships, Olumide said the state is working with private firms on compensation negotiations, environmental impact assessments, and inter-agency coordination. He highlighted significant investment opportunities in sectors like technology hubs, logistics centers, industrial parks, and tourism developments within these new growth corridors.
"Well-planned new towns will transform communities by improving housing, infrastructure, and essential services," Olumide affirmed. He also mentioned collaborations with Ogun and Ondo states to boost regional integration, facilitating easier movement of people and fostering more balanced development across the region.
Adding an academic perspective, Professor Franklin Ngwu, a strategic management expert from Lagos Business School, criticized Nigeria's historical failure to plan for its booming population. He warned that this neglect poses a severe threat to national progress. Ngwu advocated for new towns to be designed as integrated communities with housing, jobs, schools, and leisure facilities, which would relieve pressure on overcrowded cities.
In his opening remarks, UPDC Plc's CEO, Odunayo Ojo, said the summit was timely. He cited the severe congestion on routes like the Lekki-Epe Expressway as proof that existing urban centers have reached their limits, underscoring the urgent need for new towns to help both residents and businesses.
