The third (3rd) International Conference and Fair on Land and Development and seventh (7th) Annual Lateef Jakande Lecture of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence for Urbanization and Habitable Cities) kicked off on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 with stakeholders all harping on the need for inclusive engagements, stronger collaboration and proper placement of value on human lives.
Atmosphere in Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG, Akoka, venue of the event, was intellectually stimulating for several hours as stakeholders drawn from across the academia and industry converged to chart the way forward due to current rapid urbanization and its multifaceted effects on urban residents.
In her remarks to flag off the conference, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the gathering as a call to action especially when viewed against the backdrop of the pace of population growth, rural-urban migration and the resultant pressure on urban infrastructures.
While paying glowing tributes to late Chief Lateef Jakande, especially his enduring legacies in Housing and Urban development in Lagos State, Prof. Ogunsola advocated stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the Housing and Urban development sector, to identify and co-create measurable solutions to challenges of urbanization.
Her words “…we are the continent of the future with the fastest rate of urbanization globally, therefore, we must discuss how land development models that lead to the building of inclusive cities could be made here, we must also develop structures that will not only withstand climate change and the rapid population growth, but are also rich in local content and will use local talents”.
In their separate remarks, the Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, UNILAG, Professor Timothy Nubi; the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Professor Olumide Adenuga and Chairman of the Advisory Board, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, Professor Oluwole Familoni, all took turns to elucidate on the choice of the theme: Sustainable Land Development and Urban Infrastructure in Africa”.
They said the International Conference, being the third in its series, offered a platform for stakeholders to lend their voices and proffer workable solutions to urbanization issues such as land degradation, climate vulnerability, sustainable planning, housing deficit and environmental degradation among others.
The lead presentation on Navigating Complexity: Land Policy and Urban Infrastructure Development in Africa was delivered by Real Estate Expert, Mr Chudi Ubosi (Principal Partner, Ubosi Eleh and Co.)
He retraced the genesis of Land Use Decree in Nigeria to the 1970s, decried the lack of access to land for developmental purposes and queried the wisdom behind the vesting of all lands in the hands of State Governors.
Mr Ubosi raised concerns over the pressure caused by urbanization, poor stakeholder engagement as a result of suspicions of the Land Use Act and the resultant effects of projects not meeting local needs.
As a way forward, the lead speaker advocated a comprehensive review of the Land Use Act and stronger stakeholder engagement to foster collaboration. He also called for the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks in the process of acquiring Land titles as well as capacity building for all key players in the industry.
The second paper presentation for the opening session of the conference was done by Professor Timothy Nubi (Director, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development).
Titled “Infrastructure and Urban Regeneration”, Prof Nubi raised concerns over the demolitions being carried out for various reasons and called for adequate planning which will factor in all interests with a view to achieving well planned, sustainable and resilient cities.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide also gave a keynote address titled “Africa’s Urban Infrastructure Gap: Bridging the Divide”.
Represented by Town planner Adekunle Salami, the delivery recalled Nigeria’s journey of urban development, the challenges posed by the Land Use Act and series of other issues plaguing urban development in Africa.
He highlighted the State’s ongoing efforts towards entrenching stronger government framework, driving massive infrastructural development and ensuring inclusive urban planning across Lagos State.
There were goodwill messages by Town Planner Adekunle Salami who represented the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, National President, Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Oba Adeoye Akintoye, Vice President, Association of Professional Bodies, Tpl Toyin Ayinde alongside other stakeholders.
They all congratulated and applauded UNILAG for being at the forefront of research, knowledge expansion and the call for collaboration in ensuring responsible urban growth, environmental consciousness and infrastructural development which will promote sustainability and preservation of the environment.
The event featured a panel session with Town Planner Toyin Ayinde (Vice President, Association of Professional Bodies) as Lead discussant. The Panelists are as follows:
- Tpl. Adekunle Salami (representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development),
- Tpl. Oladimeji Animashaun (General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency),
- Ismail Aro (Fabulous Urban),
- Mr Deji Akinpelu (Rethinking Cities Initiative),
- Monika Umunna (Heinrich Boll Shifting, Lagos),
- Professor Peter Elias (Co-Director, Center for Housing and Sustainable Development) and
- Temilade Sesan (City Manager, African Cities Research Consortium)
The ongoing house demolition at Oworonshoki, Lagos took the centre stage as the experts took turns to share their positions and experiences on the current state of urbanization in Lagos in particular and Nigeria at large. They all stressed the need for coordinated efforts which would boost public confidence in government and engender prudent Land usage with a view to building sustainable environments without inflicting unnecessary pains on residents.
The third (3rd) International Conference and Fair on Land and Development continues till Thursday, November 27, 2025, with paper presentations and parallel sessions.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
