Former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola has decried the lack of effective regulation in the nation’s construction sector. He says the many agencies regulating construction in the state create obstacles for investors.
He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the two-day Physical Planning Summit, organised by the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and themed “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Mega City.”
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 completing 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 the BRT lanes from commercial transporters.
The former minister of Work and Housing implored the state government to expand waterways transportation and embrace sports and entertainment as a panacea for the country’s youth unemployment.
While declaring the summit open, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, 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.
In his address, the state’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, noted that the summit aims to position the state for investment opportunities as outlined in the Operative Development Plans (ODPs).
