Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has launched a new land mapping initiative aimed at identifying, regulating, and optimising the use of informal lands across the state. The project, which will be piloted over the next six months, seeks to bring structure and value to open spaces and road setbacks currently outside the formal development plan.
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Sam Egube, Governor Sanwo-Olu unveiled the initiative during the official handover of three operational vehicles to the Lagos State Informal Space Management Agency (LASISMA) on Tuesday.
LASISMA, the agency tasked with managing and regulating informal business spaces, will spearhead the project under the supervision of the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
“The purpose of this unveiling is to inform the public that we are beginning a new mapping project for informal spaces across Lagos,” the governor said. “These are lands not covered by the formal development plan—such as incidental open spaces or road setbacks—but they are still important. We want to define their use and ensure they are properly utilised.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that the project also serves as a warning against the unauthorised occupation and use of public lands. “You are not allowed to use these lands as you please. They must be formally designated for specific purposes. This will help us organise the city better,” he said.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, highlighted the importance of the initiative in maximising Lagos’s limited land resources. “Our land is our oil; we must make the best use of every space, even those not formally developed,” he said. “Informal lands may be temporary, but we must know who is using them, for what purpose, and ensure they add value to the city.”
Dr. Oluyinka added that while legitimate uses—such as parks or transport hubs—would still be allowed, such operations would now be formally regulated, including payment for usage.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said the project would eliminate the arbitrary use of land and bring clarity to the city’s spatial planning. “With this project, everyone will know what each space is meant for, so you won’t have someone trying to install a mast on a space meant to be a bus stop,” he said.
General Manager of LASISMA, Mr. Dasisi Osho, expressed gratitude to the governor for equipping the agency with operational vehicles to support its fieldwork. “These vehicles and tools will help us move faster and work better. We’re committed to transforming informal spaces across the state in a way that benefits residents and supports broader development goals,” he said.
The land mapping project represents a strategic effort to bring order, safety, and economic value to Lagos’s informal spaces, ensuring they contribute positively to the state’s urban development.