- Lagos urban planning
- Public open space Lagos
- Urban development Lagos
- Town planning illegality
On February 21, 2025, a group of town planners in Lagos, including members of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), gathered at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral in Ikeja to celebrate a colleague’s birthday. The event, which was festive and memorable, took an unexpected turn when attendees, many of whom were seasoned professionals in physical planning, were confronted with an alarming urban planning issue.
After the church service, the group stepped outside for a photo opportunity, only to find that a public open space in GRA, Ikeja—the old Airways club playground—was being illegally converted for other uses. Despite the fact that this space is the last remaining public open area in the neighborhood, there was a clear disregard for its preservation.
The professionals, known for upholding the integrity of the environment, could not ignore this glaring violation. The conversion of public spaces in Lagos, often unchecked, seemed to have become a norm for some, but the sight of this particular development sparked concern among the group.
Many of the planners were troubled by the illegal development taking place just meters from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPA), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Authority (LASURA) headquarters. Despite these agencies being in close proximity, it appeared their hands were tied in addressing the situation.
Drawing parallels to Dele Farotimi’s criticism of Nigeria’s judicial system, the writer expressed concern that Lagos’ physical planning process may be suffering from a similar lack of accountability and oversight.
The author urges the Lagos State government and its relevant agencies to take immediate action to preserve this essential public space, which serves the residents of GRA and neighboring areas, including nearby schools. If left unchecked, this illegality could mark a new low in the state’s commitment to urban planning and environmental responsibility.
