Badagry: When the coastal town engaged government on master plan, by Akeem Lasisi

Among all the factors that have contributed to the progress of Lagos State in recent years, the Lagos Master Plan is central. Developed when President Bola Tinubu was the state governor between 1999 and 2007, the plan has not only accelerated growth but also provided rhythm and direction to governance as different governors have ascended the saddle. Many experts have noted that the plan is one of the elements that distinguishes Lagos from other states.

The current Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, realizes the significance of the plan and has continued to be guided by it. More importantly, he has also extended his belief in it to the micro master plans of different towns or regions in Lagos. As a result, he is activating the likes of the Alimosho Master Plan and the Badagry Master Plan. Toward bringing the latter to life, the government recently held a meeting with stakeholders, especially from Badagry, at a review program. Many dignitaries from the coastal town gathered to dialogue with officials who patiently listened as they expressed their views.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, said the essence of the meeting was to secure the understanding and support of the people so that everyone could take ownership of the master plan and contribute their quota to the overall development of Badagry, which he described as a strategic area in Lagos State.

He said: “The purpose of today’s meeting is to get the buy-in of the locals so that it becomes their property, so to speak. They will be able to question us on the philosophy behind the master plan, how it will be implemented, and other related matters. Everything is outlined in the plan with a time frame and all, but we want to hear from them too.”

Olumide explained that the review of the plan was in line with international best practices and the requirements of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, as amended, which stipulates the review of development plans every five years.

“In line with the project’s deliverables, the consultants have been forthcoming at every stage, painstakingly addressing the peculiar needs of the sub-region, recognizing the aspirations and values of its people. By involving the people at every stage, the review process has adhered to democratic principles and upheld our administration’s commitment to promoting inclusiveness, as contained in the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, also noted that the Badagry Sub-Region Master Plan Review would develop a coherent planning strategy to guide future physical developments and transform the sub-region into a dynamic and sustainable community where people can live, work, play, and prosper.

While the traditional rulers, businessmen, and other stakeholders from Badagry offered various useful ideas, a common request emerged from almost all of them: that the government should make more land available for residents. According to a consultant, Adewale Alade, the people were concerned about the availability of land. “They are asking the government to release 75 percent of the land under acquisition so that they can have access to land for development. There are a lot of proposals for schools, markets, hospitals, etc., but there is limited land,” he said.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, assured the public that the administration had significant plans for Badagry in terms of road and other infrastructural development. However, the traditional ruler of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, Aholu Agano Toniyon, echoed the call for the release of more land. According to him, there is hope that the master plan will address this concern. He said, “One basic challenge is that all land under acquisition hinders development. But with this new Badagry Master Plan, I believe we will regain some of our land for development.”

The government functionaries assured the Badagry residents that their perspectives and contributions would be considered and factored into the plan where necessary. Also commenting on the program, a lawmaker from Badagry, Solomon Sonu, emphasized that the Sanwo-Olu government had listened to them and would deliberate upon their requests.

He stated, “We will sit down as their representatives, deliberate on it, and then present our findings to the government.”

Interestingly, Sanwo-Olu never misses an opportunity to express his passion for Badagry and its unique resources, especially its historical and cultural heritage. In April, he made a special visit to the town, exploring its tourism sites with the enthusiasm of an eager pupil.

He said: “My promise is that no part of Lagos will be left underdeveloped, and Badagry is experiencing the fulfillment of this promise. Today’s tour of the historic city of Badagry was a journey through our rich heritage. We are committed to showcasing Badagry not just as a key part of Lagos’ history but as a beacon of tourism in Nigeria.

“I visited our restored sites like the Slave Market Museum, International Vlekete, and the Badagry Heritage Museum. These sites tell powerful stories of our past, and we’re dedicated to preserving and enhancing them for future generations. From the Point of No Return to the first-storey building in Nigeria, Badagry is a treasure trove of history.

“The visit is part of our tourism ecosystem, and I had to come and see things for myself to evaluate what we have done, identify additional things we need to do, and understand how we can intentionally make Badagry, with all of its tourism potential, a real destination. For us, it is about completing the ongoing projects we have seen, restocking some of the heritage sites, preserving what we have, and telling a compelling story about what Badagry holds for the tourism potential of our country.”