Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday issued a stern warning against indiscriminate development across waterfront communities, declaring that his administration will clamp down on all illegal constructions threatening the state’s tourism future.
Speaking after leading members of the State Executive Council on an inspection tour of waterfront communities in Amuwo-Odofin and Ojo local government areas, Sanwo-Olu revealed that the corridor holds massive untapped opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
“The tour of these areas has revealed that the state has an enormous opportunity in the corridor, especially for tourism,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu directed the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Physical Planning, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to immediately swing into action, insisting his government would not tolerate haphazard structures springing up on the waterfronts.
“The state government will not tolerate haphazard development along the waterfront communities. We will do all within our authority to preserve waterfront infrastructure for tourism and other developments,” he stressed.
The governor disclosed that ministries and agencies would be returning to Ilashe and Ibeshe to restore sanity to the communities and prepare them for sustainable development.
Sanwo-Olu and others during the tour
Sanwo-Olu also unveiled plans to connect the areas to the national grid, noting that officials of Eko Disco joined the tour for that purpose.
An electricity substation was formally handed over to the distribution company to enable immediate power supply to homes.
“My administration is committed to harnessing the tourism potentials around waterfront communities to ensure that it is a win-win situation for all stakeholders through the provision of infrastructure to aid the process,” he said.
While assuring residents that the push for tourism would not come at their expense, Sanwo-Olu pledged that their livelihoods and basic amenities would be safeguarded.
“The interests of locals will not be jeopardized. Beyond tourism, we will provide basic amenities that will make life more liveable for the people,” he affirmed.
The governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu-Bush; the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and several heads of government agencies.