Lagos Installs Boundary Signposts To Prevent Disputes With Neighbouring States

The Lagos State Government has commenced the installation of boundary demarcation signposts along the state’s borders to prevent encroachment and resolve disputes involving neighbouring communities and states.

The exercise is being carried out through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development to clarify boundary locations and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

In a statement via its official X handle on Tuesday, October 27, the state government said the initiative was aimed at addressing ambiguities surrounding boundary demarcations and preventing disputes arising from boundary encroachment.

Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, said the government was committed to ensuring that boundaries were clearly marked in accordance with official specifications.

The statement reads in part: “As part of efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence among neighbouring and bordering communities, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has commenced the installation of boundary demarcation signposts along the State border lines, specifically around Lagos boundaries.”

Bolarinwa said the exercise would ensure that boundaries were properly indicated in line with the specifications of the Office of the Surveyor-General.

She said, “The State Government has resolved to uphold the official boundary specifications as provided by the Office of the Surveyor-General, and that the installation of the signposts is a practical step towards achieving that.”

According to her, the initiative is also intended to check encroachment from neighbouring states and ensure that residents of border communities are adequately captured for government welfare programmes and infrastructure provision.

She added that the exercise would contribute to local economic development, improve living conditions and reduce rural-to-urban migration.

The permanent secretary warned residents against vandalising the signposts or engaging in activities capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

The statement quoted her as warning that “anyone found demolishing any of the installed signposts would be punished.”

She said the administration would pursue this through the implementation of its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, aimed at making Lagos a 21st-century economy and achieving a Greater Lagos.