Among all the factors that have worked for the progress of Lagos State in recent years, the Lagos Master Plan is central. The plan developed when President Bola Tinubu was the state governor between 1999 and 2007 has not only accelerated growth, it has also given rhythm and direction to governance as different governors ascend the saddle. Many experts have noted that the plan is one of the elements that made the difference when you compare Lagos to other states.

The current Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reailses the significance of the plan as he has continued to be guided by it. More importantly, he has also transferred his faith 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. Towards giving life to the latter, for instance, the government, a few days ago, held a meeting with stakeholders especially from Badagry, at a review programme. Many dignitaries from the coastal town trooped out to dialogue with the officials who patiently listened to them as they expressed their minds.

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 own the master plan and contribute their quota to the overall development of Badagry which, he said, was a strategic area in Lagos State.

He said: “The essence of what we are doing today is to get the buy-in of the locals so that it becomes their property so to say. They will be able to question us on the philosophy behind the master plan, how it will be implemented and others. Everything is stated in there with 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 deliverables of the project, the consultants have been forthcoming at every stage as they have painstakingly addressed the peculiar needs of the Sub-Region, in recognition of the aspirations and values of its people. Suffice to say that by carrying the people along 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 had also said 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 who attended from Badagry gave various useful ideas, a request rang through the contributions of 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 or otherwise of land. “They are saying government should release 75 per cent 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 a lot of plans for Badagry in terms of road and other infrastructural development. On his part, however, the traditional ruler of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, Aholu Agano Toniyon, lent his voice to the call for release of more land. According to him, there is hope that succour will come with the master plan as far as the request is concerned. He said, “One basic challenge is that all land under acquisition that disturbs development. But with this new Badagry master plan, I think we will get some of our land for development.”

The government functionaries assured the ‘Badagrians’ that their perspectives and contributions would be considered and factored into the plan where necessary. Also commenting on the programme, a lawmaker from Badagry, Solomon Sonu, stressed that the Sanwo-olu government had listened to them and would deliberate upon their prayers.

He stated, “We will sit down as their representatives, deliberate on it to see where we can adjust and get back to government.”

Interestingly, Sanwo-Olu never misses any opportunity to express his passion for Badagry and its unique resources, especially the historical and cultural. In April, he was on a special visit to the town, when he explored its tourism site with the enthusiasm of a bubbling pupil.

He had said: “My promise is that no part of Lagos will be left underdeveloped, and Badagry is experiencing the fulfilment 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 really part of our tourism ecosystem, and I have had to come and see things for myself to evaluate what we have done, additional things that we need to do, and how we intentionally make Badagry, an all of the tourism potential that it has, a real destination. For us, it is to complete the ongoing projects that we have seen, to restock some of the heritage sites that we have seen, to generally preserve what we have, and to speak a compelling story about what Badagry holds for the tourism potential of our country.”