The Lagos State Government has commenced the installation of boundary demarcation signposts across the state to prevent disputes between neighbouring communities and bordering states.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development on Facebook on Monday.
The ministry said the initiative was aimed at ensuring “peaceful co-existence among neighbouring and bordering communities” and preventing disputes arising from boundary encroachment.
Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, said the state government was committed to ensuring that “clear boundaries between communities and neighbouring States are properly indicated in line with the position of the Office of the Surveyor-General”.
She said the government had resolved to uphold official boundary specifications provided by the Office of the Surveyor-General, adding that “the installation of the signposts is a practical step towards achieving that”.
According to her, the installations were intended to “check encroachment from neighbouring States” and ensure that residents of border communities were “adequately captured for welfare provision”.
She added that the initiative would support infrastructure provision, improve living conditions, strengthen local economies and “reduce rural-urban drift in the State”.
Bolarinwa urged residents of border communities not to vandalise the signposts or engage in actions that could lead to violations or a breakdown of law and order.
She warned that “anyone found demolishing any of the installed signposts would be punished”.
“The State Government will not be lenient with anyone who hampers social order, peaceful co-existence and the ease of business that Lagos State is known for,” she said.
The permanent secretary assured residents that the government would continue to ensure that communities enjoyed the benefits of democracy through the implementation of its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
She said this would be achieved through “the strategic cascading of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda to communities across the State, especially rural communities”.
The ministry said the initiative aligned with the government’s goal of making Lagos “a 21st Century Economy and achieving a Greater Lagos”.
It listed Eredo-Epe, around Mojoda, Itokin-Ijebu Ode Road, Ikorodu-Shagamu Road, Ojodu-Alagbole Road, Owode-Apa Road and the Seme border among the locations where boundary signposts had been installed.