The Lagos State Government has explored ways of strengthening mutual collaboration with the UN-HABITAT to ensure a sustainable built environment.
This came to the fore in Alausa on Friday, during a meeting between the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the UN-Habitat.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who received the UN-HABITAT delegation, led by its African Office Director, Mr. Oumar Sylla, said that the Lagos State Government had paid utmost attention to planning and city management as requirements for sustainability.
He added that the state’s prioritisation of physical planning instruments and their religious applications were connected with their importance to the ideals of livable, organised, and sustainable communities.
Dr. Olumide said that the state welcomed meaningful collaborations from credible organisations, particularly the UN-HABITAT, which had a record of promoting livability across the globe.
Urging the body not to relent in cooperating with Lagos State towards attaining her vision of a 21st-Century Economy, the Commissioner maintained that ceaseless migration continued to pose serious social and economic challenges for the state, enjoining the UN body to team up with the state in promoting interstate collaboration to resolve the change.
Earlier, Oumar Sylla disclosed that the UN-HABITAT had enjoyed a good relationship with Lagos State and was willing to renew its commitment with her and work for the realisation of sustainable cities in the State.
He acknowledged the good efforts of the State Government in addressing the issue of planning as a fundamental tool for taking the state into the future.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Oluwole Sotire commended the collaboration between the State and UN-HABITAT, which he said should be extended to capacity enhancement for the mutual benefit of the two bodies since Lagos is a benchmark for Nigeria and the West African sub-region.