The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide documentation exercise requiring individuals, businesses and organisations occupying setbacks, roadsides and other informal public spaces to submit documents validating their occupancy.
The exercise, announced in a public notice on Wednesday, is being implemented under the Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP) through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
According to the notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Wasiu Olayinka, the initiative is backed by the amended Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019. It is aimed at preserving land reserved for present and future public infrastructure while encouraging orderly physical development across the state.
The government disclosed that Octragon Multi-Projects Limited, in collaboration with the Lagos State Informal Management Authority (LASISMA), has been engaged to identify, document and manage setbacks, roadsides, common areas and other informal urban spaces.
Officials explained that the programme is intended to tackle the illegal occupation, unauthorised conversion and uncontrolled use of public spaces, which have negatively affected approved development plans and the urban environment.
The state also revealed that over 1,700 SCRAMP locations were successfully mapped by the end of 2025 following a six-month awareness and stakeholder engagement campaign. The current documentation phase is expected to produce a comprehensive database that will support the effective management and proper utilisation of these public spaces.
Earlier findings from the project identified more than 3,700 hectares of underutilised public land, including setbacks, roadsides, bridge loops and utility corridors, spread across more than 1,700 locations in Lagos.
According to the government, the initiative will safeguard land designated for infrastructure while introducing a transparent system for the temporary use of qualified public spaces.
Existing occupants who successfully verify their claims and meet the required conditions will be given the first opportunity to retain their spaces. The government also stated that new applicants, including individuals, organisations and businesses, may be considered for temporary licences or other approved occupancy arrangements, subject to the ministry’s guidelines.
All current occupants have been directed to submit relevant documents for verification, while prospective applicants are expected to apply through the SCRAMP portal or designated offices operated by Octragon Multi-Projects Limited and LASISMA.
The government urged residents and stakeholders to cooperate with the exercise, saying it is designed to promote planned urban development, protect public infrastructure, improve environmental sustainability and ensure the efficient use of public land.
However, officials did not disclose the deadline for the exercise or whether approved occupants would be required to pay any fees.
