A bunch of academics and government people told a University of Lagos conference that Africa needs to get its act together on land policy and city planning before urban population growth turns into a complete disaster. Prof Folasade Ogunsola from UNILAG pointed out that the continent will add 950 million city dwellers by 2050, and without proper infrastructure, the whole thing risks becoming chaotic and broken. The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria backed the push for reform while stressing that land development means nothing without roads and utilities to support it.
Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning Oluyinka Olumide warned that Africa faces an infrastructure gap between 130 and 170 billion dollars every year, and bridging that requires better land governance plus new financing models. UNILAG's vice chancellor pushed for collaboration between universities and private developers instead of the usual fragmented approach to urban planning, and she wants climate resilience baked into everything instead of treated like an optional add-on.
Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning Oluyinka Olumide warned that Africa faces an infrastructure gap between 130 and 170 billion dollars every year, and bridging that requires better land governance plus new financing models. UNILAG's vice chancellor pushed for collaboration between universities and private developers instead of the usual fragmented approach to urban planning, and she wants climate resilience baked into everything instead of treated like an optional add-on.
