The Yobe State Government has declared Machina, Bade and Fune local government areas as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State
Alhaji Liman Baba, the General Manager, state Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), stated this at the opening of a one-day workshop in Potiskum on Monday, January 27, 2025.
The workshop, which was jointly organised by RUWASA and the UNICEF, had the theme “To Develop Comprehensive Roadmap Document Towards Achieving ODF Status in Yobe.”
According to Baba, the document will enable the remaining 14 local government areas of the state to also attain ODF status.
The general manager added that “the workshop is aimed at meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.0 target of ensuring open defecation free by all nations by the year 2030.
“The workshop will make all stakeholders to be more responsible and come up with commitment to achieving the strategic objective to be developed at the end of it.
“Yobe will attain ODF status between 2025 and 2030 as agreed upon by all nations including Nigeria.”
He noted that “open defecation is a major cause of water-borne diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea and hepatitis.”
A facilitator, Mr. Abubakar Moi, urged participants to intensify campaign against open defecation in their localities.
Moi, who is also the UNICEF Desk Officer at RUWASA, said increased stakeholders’ engagement would minimise the rate of open defecation in the state.
Finance Minister and Coordinator of the Economy for Nigeria, Mr. Wale Edun, has highlighted the critical need of having energy access in achieving economic growth and sustainable development.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun
He said this during a panel discussion on “Policies and Reforms for Transforming African Energy”, at the ongoing Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
According to Edun, Africa has to take congnisant of global risks such as state conflict, trade wars, and misinformation and its nations must take charge of their own energy future.
“It is so important that we are here. The President of Nigeria, the largest country in Africa, is here, as are other heads of state, committed to this cause,” Edun said.
Referring to statements made by prominent leaders, he echoed World Bank President Mr. Ajay Banga’s assertion that “electricity is a human right,” underscoring its vital role in dignity and quality of life.
Similarly, the President of the African Development Bank has described energy as “blood in the body”, stating that, without it, much cannot be achieved.
The minister explained that access to reliable energy is essential for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
“Without high access to energy, we cannot achieve high incomes,” he added.
Edun also stressed the need to grow African economies rapidly and lift people out of poverty.
He said that Nigeria’s progress was also a key focus, noting the country’s leadership in driving the largest decentralised renewable energy (DRE) programme in Africa.
He highlighted Nigeria’s significant strides in reforming its energy sector, attracting private sector investment, and closing the electricity gap.
“We have partnered with the private sector, and since regulating the sector, we’ve set up 150 mini-grids and connected a million solar panels.
“What we are focused on is ensuring profitability in energy provision, as this is key to meeting the demand.”
Edun further emphasised that the private sector, in addition to multilateral development banks and philanthropy, plays a crucial role in the success of Africa’s energy transition.
He drew a parallel to the mobile telephony sector, once seen as a luxury, which is now accessible to nearly everyone.
“A similar revolution must and can take place in the energy sector.
“Nigeria’s goal for 2030 is universal energy access and clean cooking, and the country is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to maximise this opportunity.
“In Nigeria, energy is not only achievable but also profitable. Our ambition is clear, and we have the scale to make it work,” Edun said.
The summit will convene Heads of State, international organisations, energy experts, and private sector leaders to devise strategies for achieving universal energy access.
Key outcomes of the summit include: the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a commitment to reforms and actions necessary for the success of Mission 300.
It includes 12 country energy compacts detailed, country-specific action plans, including least-cost power expansion models, renewable energy solutions, and private sector involvement.
The key objectives of Mission 300 are capacity building, which focuses on investments in generation capacity, transmission systems, and distribution grids to create affordable and sustainable electricity services.
It also involves deployment of mini-grids and solar home systems to reach underserved regions as well as enlisting new partners and mobilising financial resources to support the mission.
The Mission 300 will also allow leveraging renewable energy by harnessing Africa’s vast renewable energy resources amidst declining costs of renewable technologies.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, recognising the disease as a critical public health challenge.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako
With efforts focused on reducing the prevalence and impact of malaria, the government aims to strengthen strategies that will accelerate progress towards a malaria-free nation.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said this on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Abuja, in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry.
Salako reaffirmed the government’s commitment to malaria elimination, adding that it remained a priority in President Bola Tinubu’s administration due to its socio-economic impact.
He spoke while receiving a delegation of the Malaria Consortium, led by Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
The Minister highlighted the government’s progress in tackling malaria through its Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative.
“This strategy fosters collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, enabling better tracking of annual operations and implementation plans at the state level under a unified healthcare policy,” he said
He also underscored the role of digital health initiatives in streamlining malaria interventions, describing the initiative as crucial for creating a centralised health data repository.
Commending the consortium for its independent assessments of government interventions, the minister pointed to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as a key driver in strengthening primary healthcare, including malaria management
“We have the Digital in Health initiative, a nationwide effort to digitalise healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
“The BHCPF covers malaria, and under this administration, its management has been reorganised to ensure more regular fund disbursement.
“I appreciate your feedback from field assessments, and I assure you that Nigeria will continue to value and support the Malaria Consortium in delivering on its mandate,” he said.
Recognising the malaria consortium as a critical global partner, Salako reiterated the ministry’s appreciation for its contributions to malaria eradication in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Dr Kolawole Maxwell, Director of Programmes at Malaria Consortium, briefed the Minister on the organisation’s research and assessment visits to northern and southern Nigeria.
Maxwell emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in Kano and Osun states, to enhance malaria case management.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to identify incentives and barriers affecting the use of mosquito nets.
“In the first phase, we are working with stakeholders to understand the factors influencing net usage.
“The second phase involves leveraging these findings to develop tailored solutions,” he said.
The announcement highlights the importance of sustained interventions, collaborations, and investments in health systems to achieve this vital goal.
On the 24th anniversary of Republic Act (RA) 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Filipino environmental justice group, BAN Toxics, has called for a comprehensive review of the law’s implementation and advocated for stronger enforcement measures.
Solid waste management in The Philippines
RA 9003 serves as the framework for establishing an integrated solid waste management programme focused on resource conservation and recovery. It aims to protect public health and the environment through effective waste reduction, segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment, and disposal.
BAN Toxics laments that, more than two decades after its enactment on January 26, 2001, the impact of RA 9003 remains underwhelming. Challenges such as improper waste disposal, insufficient infrastructure, and gaps in public awareness persist, underscoring the need for stronger action to fully realise the law’s potential.
The 2023 Commission on Audit (COA) report highlights a concerning rise in solid waste, from 9.07 million metric tons in 2000 to 16.63 million in 2020, with projections reaching 24.5 million tons by 2045. The audit also found a significant lack of material recovery facilities (MRFs) and sanitary landfills (SLFs), with only 39% of barangays (16,418 out of 42,046) served by MRFs in 2021, and only 29.25% (478 of 1,634 LGUs) having access to SLFs.
Without proper MRFs for waste reduction, such as recycling and composting, most solid waste ends up in dumpsites or is openly burned, further worsening pollution, as noted in a 2020 study published by ScienceDirect.
The Philippine Centre for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) found that, from 2017 to 2020, LGUs in NCR spent an average of PHP 384 million annually on waste management, funded by the DENR, taxes, and other revenue streams. Quezon City had the highest expenditure, allocating PHP 2.13 billion in 2020.
While the government is increasing its budget to ecological solid waste management, as reflected in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2024 – allocating PHP 334,707,000 to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the implementation of waste management regulations, a slight increase from PHP 325,912,000 in 2023 – significant gaps remain in addressing the full scale of the waste crisis.
“RA 9003 is crucial but poorly implemented, and its shortcomings are evident, particularly during floods. There are also unseen effects, such as toxic waste contaminating the environment and posing long-term health risks to communities,” stated Thony Dizon, Campaign and Advocacy Officer of BAN Toxics.
Dizon emphasised that the country should adopt the principle of Zero Waste, which encourages reducing the production and consumption of goods that will eventually become waste. Zero waste also serves as a strategy for conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems. He also highlighted plastic pollution as a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
The DENR reports that the Philippines generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, contributing to the 61,000 metric tons of solid waste produced daily – enough to fill 37 Olympic-sized pools. This includes 163 million plastic sachets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin-film bags. Alarmingly, only a third of this waste ends up in landfills, while 35% is discarded into the ocean. In response, BAN Toxics calls for a nationwide ban on single-use plastics.
One of the key responsibilities of LGUs, as mandated by RA 9003, is also to divert at least 25% of waste through practices like reuse, recycling, and composting. However, waste diversion is often handled through informal channels, such as recycling operations at junk shops.
In a discussion paper published in 2021, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) highlighted the “prominent role” of the informal economy in the solid waste processing phase, noting that it “bridged the gaps across material collection, segregation, and recycling.” Junk shops served as pseudo-material recovery facilities, and scavengers and street collectors retrieved recyclables for their market value, the analysis stated.
BAN Toxics highlights the vital role of informal waste collectors and junk shops in waste recovery and recycling efforts. The group calls for formalisation of their work through the provision of health benefits, training, support, and access to proper facilities and equipment. Empowering them would improve the effectiveness of waste minimisation programmes, increase waste diversion rates, and foster a more inclusive approach to environmental sustainability.
“On the 24th anniversary of RA 9003, BAN Toxics reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and developing innovative, long-term solutions for more effective solid waste reduction,” Dizon concluded.
Nigeria’s power sector is a key component of the nation’s economy. However, it is grappling with challenges as it navigates to 2025.
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu
From power shortages to outdated infrastructure and the inability to meet increasing energy demands, the sector’s inefficiencies continue to hinder economic growth.
With daily power outages, especially in rural areas, and frequent grid collapses, businesses and households face deepening frustrations.
In spite of these challenges, there is renewed optimism for reform.
Government actions, such as strategic investments in renewable energy and infrastructure improvements, are expected to pave the way for a more reliable, sustainable power future.
The push for renewable energy which include solar, wind and hydropower, represents a positive shift toward diversification.
This will potentially reduce the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels and addressing environmental concerns.
In an interview on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Dr. Olukayode Akinrolabu, Chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum for Festac/Satellite Town, Lagos, emphasised the need for proper oversight and infrastructure investment.
He said these would help to guarantee the sector’s long-term success.
“The progress of the power sector could be hindered by corruption, inadequate monitoring, and the involvement of inexperienced personnel,” he said.
Akinrolabu called for thorough evaluations of Nigeria’s power generation and transmission systems, ensuring that every part of the value chain is scrutinised for effectiveness.
He also suggested that DisCos be allowed to directly manage their electricity allocations, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“While some DisCos have made strides in customer service, others continue to face challenges with estimated billing and the need for infrastructure upgrades.
Akinrolabu advocated structural reforms that would empower DisCos to improve their service delivery, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.
Also, Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy, underscored the importance of integrating renewable energy sources.
According to him, it is important to expand the nation’s transmission and distribution networks and invest in smart grid technologies to tackle grid collapses and inefficiencies.
Ogunleye also stressed the need for greater investment in gas infrastructure to provide a reliable power supply and reduce reliance on imports.
He noted a balanced energy mix, with solar, wind and hydropower prioritised alongside traditional energy sources to ensure a more sustainable and affordable energy future.
“The expansion of Nigeria’s transmission and distribution networks is another critical area for improvement.
“As demand for electricity grows, it is essential to invest in infrastructure and technology to enhance grid efficiency and minimise technical losses,” he added.
Ogunleye said that this expansion would require both public and private sector investments to succeed.
Meanwhile, Chinedu Bosah, National Coordinator, Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE), said that government’s focus on the privatisation of the sector had prioritised profit over long-term investment, leading to poor service delivery.
He said that, in spite of these hurdles, stakeholders in the industry remain hopeful that with the right investments and reforms.
According to him, the power sector can be transformed into a more reliable, affordable and sustainable system.
He said that, if successful, these reforms could lead to greater transparency, increased power generation capacity, and a reduction in grid collapses, ultimately supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
The Governing Board of the Specific International Programme (SIP) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury at its Tenth Meeting held in Geneva from January 22 to 24, 2025, approved 10 projects for funding in the Fourth Round, with a total funding of $2,061,813.
Members of the Governing Board of the Specific International Programme in Geneva
Thirty-six applications were submitted by Parties to the Fourth Round, of which 29 were deemed eligible for further consideration by the Board at the meeting.
In a statement, Governing Board Co-Chairs, Mr. Obed Baloyi and Mr. Andrew Clark, disclosed that the Fourth Round resulted in the highest number of applications to the Programme to date, with 14 eligible applications from Africa, seven from Asia and the Pacific, three from Central and Eastern Europe, and five from Latin America and the Caribbean.
The large number of applications, they added, shows the strong commitment of the Parties to the full implementation of the Convention, and also shows the ongoing and growing need for support from the financial mechanism.
According to them, successful projects were submitted by Brazil, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Georgia, Madagascar, Montenegro, Sri Lanka, United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Baloyi and Clark added: “On behalf of the Board, we would like to congratulate these applicants for developing strong proposals for capacity-building and technical assistance in support of the implementation of their obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
“The Board would like to commend all the applicants for their diligent work in preparing and submitting their applications. The quality of applications was outstanding, resulting in very challenging deliberations for the Board. The Board notes that, had the funding envelope been larger for this Round, it would have liked to approve more applications. The decisions we took in this meeting will be communicated to all applicants by the Secretariat in the coming days.
“The Board would like to thank Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States for their contributions to the Fourth Round of the Specific International Programme.
“The Board looks forward with anticipation to the Fifth Round of applications. Given the high interest shown in the Programme and the significant country needs expressed, we would like to strongly encourage those in a position to do so to contribute to a robust next round of the Programme.”
The Co-Chairs disclosed that the Board would present its full report to the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting, submitting: “As Co-Chairs, we would also like to thank our fellow Board members for their diligent and constructive work in preparation for and throughout the meeting. All the members of the Board join us in thanking the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention for its excellent work in support of the work of the Board and of the implementation of all the projects both underway and closed during the life of the Programme to date.”
The escalating impacts of climate-induced disasters are devastating vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa. To protect people, livelihoods and economies, countries must prioritise the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), which serve as crucial roadmaps to build climate resilience.
The escalating impacts of climate-induced disasters are devastating vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa. Photo credit: Thoko Chikondi/AP
In 2023, Cyclone Freddy wreaked havoc in Malawi and Mozambique, causing catastrophic flooding, displacement and loss of life. In 2024, Kenya and Ethiopia continued to suffer from recurring droughts that decimated crops, livelihood and ecosystems. In South Africa, extreme flooding highlighted the region’s increasing exposure to climate risks. Meanwhile, in Uganda, a deadly landslide claimed 28 lives, left over 100 missing and destroyed more than 40 households.
These disasters are not isolated incidents – they are part of a growing pattern linked to worsening climate change.
Despite the urgency, only seven countries in the region – Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe – have finalised and submitted their NAPs.
NAPs are vital tools for identifying vulnerabilities and integrating climate adaptation into national development strategies. They provide a roadmap for actionable solutions, including:
Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Investing in robust monitoring and communication systems to provide timely, actionable alerts to communities.
Promoting Sustainable Land Management: Addressing deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable agricultural practices to enhance resilience.
Implementing Relocation and Resettlement Plans: Developing inclusive strategies for moving communities out of high-risk areas to save lives and livelihoods.
Scaling Up Adaptation Finance: Mobilising resources through international mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund and leveraging opportunities from multilateral development banks, bilateral donors, the private sector and innovative financing approaches.
By prioritising climate adaptation through NAPs, countries in East and Southern Africa can break the cycle of recurring adversities, protect lives, restore ecosystems and build resilient communities.
As emphasised during UN Climate Change Conference COP29 held November 2024, enhanced collaboration between governments, development partners and local communities, alongside international technical and financial support, is vital for implementing these plans and fostering long-term climate resilience.
UN aid teams have launched a humanitarian appeal in Nigeria, which again focuses on the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe – the Bay states -where conflict, climate shocks and economic instability continue to blight communities’ wellbeing.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
OCHA, the UN aid coordination office, in a statement, stated that the target in 2025 would be to reach 3.6 million people in the northeast with health services, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Nutrition for children is also part of the $910 million appeal, along with support for protection, education and other basic services.
To absorb declining global funding, OCHA insisted that the Nigeria plan aims to make scarce resources go further, by supporting those delivering assistance locally more directly – and by shifting to cash and voucher assistance where possible.
According to the statement, a key part of the aid appeal includes prevention work to lessen the impact of floods and disease outbreaks.
In a related development, the UN has suspended all official movements by its teams into and out of Houthi-held areas of Yemen, after more UN staffers were detained on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The de facto rulers of much of the country, including the capital Sana’a, released the crew of a merchant ship who had been held for more than a year, earlier this week.
The move raised hopes that more than 60 staff from the UN, international organisations and diplomatic missions already being held by the Houthis over the past year, might be released.
Friday’s safety measure announced by Julien Harneis, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, comes as the organization faces mounting security challenges in its operations in the region.
The Houthis and the internationally-recognised Government have been fighting for control of the country in what has become a wider regional proxy war, for
“Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sana’a detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” Harneis said.
“To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control…this measure will remain in place until further notice.”
Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq elaborated on the response later on Friday, highlighting the UN’s ongoing efforts: “Our officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the de facto authorities, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners.”
The detentions mark a troubling escalation for humanitarian operations in Yemen, where access and security remain critical concerns.
The UN continues to emphasise the importance of upholding the safety and neutrality of its personnel to ensure lifesaving aid reaches those in need.
How plausible is the target by African heads of states to grant access to electricity to 300 million people by 2030?
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is hosting the Africa Energy Summit
That is the task before the over 1,000 participants expected at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, which kicks off in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
“It’s a tight journey because 2030 is only five years away and we have to deliver, not expected connections, but actual connections to 300 million by 2030,” says Mr. Daniel Schroth, African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
Schroth emphasised the urgency of implementation of Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit at a media briefing in Dar es Salaam.
Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director of Infrastructure for West Africa, said Mission 300 represented not just an ambitious target but a movement.
“We are creating a lasting impact that will power Africa’s growth and enable millions of people to access the essential services electricity provides,” said Drees-Gross.
The World Bank Group and the AfDB launched the initiative in April 2024 to bridge the energy access gap in Africa.
Mr. Wale Shonibare, ADB’s Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation, said the summit would unveil new initiatives aimed at boosting domestic resource mobilisation.
Shonibare said it would also encourage cross-border trade to spread risk and increase financing for energy access.
Already, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and The Rockefeller Foundation have committed $10 million to create a technical assistance facility supporting electricity projects across 11 African nations.
“What makes this initiative different from what institutions have done in the past is the ‘all hands-on deck approach’ with a lot of institutions working hand-in-hand to deliver the ambitious agenda,” explained Sarvesh Suri, IFC’s Director for Infrastructure in Africa.
About 12 countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire, will pledge reforms in five key areas: low-cost power generation, regional energy integration, increased energy access, enabling private investment and utility strengthening.
The two-day summit is being hosted by the government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group.
On the first day, at the ministerial level, participating countries, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, termed compacts, detailing their approaches to achieving universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, Heads of State will endorse the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining a unified roadmap for Africa’s progress towards the Mission 300 objectives.
President Tinubu will deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to energy and its leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and its strategy to drive integrated energy delivery on the continent.
Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Power, Mr. Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
The Lagos State Government on Friday, January 24, 2025, reaffirmed its stance against illegal building constructions as it sealed multiple buildings being constructed without planning permit on the Lagos Island.
A sealed building under construction
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who led the exercise to caution contravening buildings, said that it had become imperative for government to compel the right and positive attitude from the people towards physical planning laws, after months of gracious amnesty to buildings without planning permit.
“The amnesty programme provided an opportunity for property owners to regularise their building permits without facing immediate penalties. Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative while it lasted and now proceeded with illegal constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards. Our goal is to encourage compliance, ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and orderly city for all residents,” he said.
According to him “the exercise, which will be extended to other parts of the state, underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing physical planning laws across the state. No doubt, unregulated developments pose significant risks to the built environment, including structural collapse, environmental degradation, and disruption to planned city layouts”.
The affected properties that were sealed for lacking the requisite permits for building construction include Number 7 Okesuna Street, 42/64 Okepopo Street, 11/15 Sunmonu Street, 22 Olushi Street, 8 Isalegangan Street. Others are on Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun streets.
The Commissioner decried the spate of illegal building construction on Lagos Island, especially buildings on narrow strips of land that leaves no room for adequate setbacks and air spaces, as he ordered the stoppage of the ongoing construction on 8, Isalegangan Street for its narrowness.
He reminded residents, property owners and property developers of their civic duty to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on building construction while urging owners of adjoining small parcels of land to seriously consider the land-pooling option to aid livable, organised and sustainable built environment.
Olumide highlighted the importance of reporting illegal constructions, saying that residents were encouraged to provide information that would assist the government discover physical planning contraventions at their infancy and act promptly in the interest of all to sustain the state’s development agenda as it relates to the physical planning sector.
With the Commissioner on the exercise was the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olumide Sotire, Directors in the ministry and functionaries of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
