The city of Lagos is one of Africa’s most iconic, vibrant, and bustling cities. Yet, the city suffers from significant planning and infrastructure challenges that demand innovative solutions worthy of this exceptional Nigerian hub. To reimagine a greater future for Lagos, Dar is honoured to be sponsoring the transformative Lagos Physical Planning Summit, taking place on October 15 and 16, 2024. Under the title “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity,” this two-day event serves as a platform for shaping the future of Lagos, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainable and effective urban planning strategies.

Leading this initiative is the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development — an authority dedicated to transforming Lagos into a thriving, sustainable megacity. As the government body responsible for devising and implementing policies related to physical planning and urban development, the ministry seeks to create organised, efficient, and resilient urban spaces.

In January 2024, the ministry established the Office of Physical Planning to enhance its focus on urban and regional planning strategies. This newly established office plays a crucial role in formulating policies, preparing development plans, granting permits, and engaging stakeholders. By addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation through key functions like urban planning, infrastructure development, and community engagement, the ministry seeks to ensure sustainable growth for Lagos.

The Lagos Physical Planning Summit, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in collaboration with key stakeholders like Dar and Optimus Bank, aims to tackle pressing urban planning challenges facing the city. The summit is focussed on identifying challenges such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and waste management, while exploring strategies for sustainable urban growth that balance economic development with environmental responsibility. It also seeks to encourage partnerships among government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society, to enhance urban planning initiatives, develop actionable policies that support effective urban management, and provide training and knowledge sharing opportunities for all stakeholders involved.

Dar is proud to be part of such an inspiring event, showcasing the company’s work through a dedicated booth. With a proven track record of master planning cities across Nigeria, Dar has collaborated with communities and stakeholders to create sustainable frameworks for urban development. Notably, Dar prepared the master plan for Ilorin, guiding its growth and enhancing liveability. The company also developed the award-winning Ibadan City Master Plan, working for the Oyo State Government on a project supported by the World Bank. Dar’s commitment to creating better urban environments continues to drive the company’s work throughout Nigeria.

Two leaders in Dar’s team will actively participate in the summit and contribute to the discussions, sharing their extensive knowledge in the field. On the first day of the summit, Richard Walker, Dar’s Head of Planning and Urban Design, will moderate a panel discussion addressing the legal and institutional reforms for enhancing governance structure in Lagos to ensure the successful implementation of urban development plans. The discussion will also cover the different ways institutional capacities can be strengthened to promote accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the urban planning and development process in the city. With more than 25 years of experience, Richard is a visionary in creating master plans for resilient communities.

On the second day, Yann Leclerq, a skilled project manager in Dar’s planning department, will discuss the different ways Lagos can align its intra-city, inter-city, and regional development plans with global best practices while maintaining a focus on local needs and priorities. He will also dive deeper into the key global urban development practices that Lagos should adopt to accelerate its transformation into a well-connected and sustainable megacity. Yann is a strong advocate for community-led planning, ensuring that urban solutions prioritise the voices of all stakeholders.

The summit serves as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration, with the goal of creating a more liveable and sustainable Lagos for current and future generations.  Dar is inspired by the opportunity to empower communities and shape urban landscapes. Together, we can create a brighter future for this vibrant megacity.