… As Anambra State Physical Planning Board Understudies Lagos
Lagos State Government has called for the establishment of a forum of Commissioners for Physical Planning in the country to assist in comparing notes.
The call was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide while receiving functionaries of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board in Alausa on Wednesday.
Olumide said that the dynamic nature of the physical environment, demographics, and globalisation made it necessary for all states to work in collaboration as no subnational entity could afford to work in silos in addressing the challenges of the built environment sector.
His words, “Considering the vibrant nature of the built environment, it is important for Commissioners for Physical Planning in the country to come together and facilitate effective collaboration so that we can provide both local and international benchmarks for our initiatives”.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire said that the sector had evolved in Lagos State with successive administrations prioritising development planning and control, citing the example of the recent creation of the Office of Physical Planning and that of Urban Development out of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development by the Administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for administrative convenience and efficiency.
“The Administration has been forthcoming in investing in the preparation and review of physical development plans as well as the automation of Planning Permit processes”, he said.
On his part, the General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike and the Technical Directors in the Office of Physical Planning acquainted the guests with the mandates, operations and challenges of their respective offices.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barr. Chike Madueke said that the visit was necessitated by the need for Anambra State to learn from Lagos, given her experience and proactivity in handling physical development issues
He said that there were a lot of takeaways for his team, especially in the area of administration, staffing and funding, where Lagos State had obvious comparative advantages.
Other members of his team were the General Manager, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Tpl. Ajuluchukwu Nwankwo and the Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor on Physical Planning, Dr. Bernard Nwabueze.
