The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has begun installing boundary demarcation signposts along the State’s border lines, particularly around Lagos boundaries, as part of efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence among neighbouring and bordering communities.

The Initiative, according to the ministry, aims to clarify ambiguities around boundary demarcations between communities and neighbouring States and prevent disputes that may arise from boundary encroachment.

Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, said the state government is 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 reiterated that the state government has resolved to uphold the official boundary specifications provided by the Office of the Surveyor-General, and that installing the signposts is a practical step towards achieving that.

She added that the installations mainly aim to check encroachment from neighbouring States and ensure residents in border communities are adequately captured for welfare provision, as well as for infrastructure that will contribute to the local economy, improve living conditions, 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 infractions or breakdown of law and order, warning that anyone found demolishing any of the installed signposts would be punished.

According to her, 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 assured that the State Government will continue to ensure that every community in Lagos State enjoys the dividends of democracy through the strategic cascading of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda to communities across the State, especially rural communities, in line with the mandate of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy and achieving a Greater Lagos.

Since the installation began, the Ministry has installed boundary signposts in Eredo-Epe, around Mojoda, Itokin-Ijebu Ode Road, Ikorodu-Shagamu Road, Ojodu-Alagbole Road, Owode-Apa Road, and the Seme Border. (The Nation)