The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, has called for enhanced collaboration between the Ministry and the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) to drive sustainable progress in physical planning and urban development across the state.

Dr. Olumide made the call during a courtesy visit by an executive of the Lagos State branch of ATOPCON, Tpl. Bello Akinwale, to the Ministry.

Receiving the delegation alongside the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, and other top management staff, the Commissioner underscored the significance of strategic partnerships in achieving the vision of a #GreaterLagos.

He reiterated the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to innovation in physical planning, particularly in harnessing the potential of informal spaces to create employment and enhance the state’s visual appeal.

“The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration prioritises the optimisation of informal spaces in the state. This focus has led to the transformation and renaming of LASPEMA to the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), to drive the revitalisation of informal areas,” he stated.

In response, Tpl. Makinde Ogunleye, who spoke on behalf of ATOPCON, pledged the association’s continued support for the state government’s urban development agenda. He assured that the body remains committed to professionalism, ethics, and capacity building, noting that creative ideas thrive better under collaborative frameworks.

Ogunleye also expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s recognition of ATOPCON’s role in urban planning and its willingness to engage with stakeholders in shaping the future of Lagos.