TO achieve Lagos State's megacity ambition, geographers in the country have tasked government on the need to formulate an alternative-planning framework, which provides more incentives and sustainable options for development and governance.The submissions, which came at the end of a two-day national conference themed: 'Making room for the Lagos megacity,' organised by the Department of Geography, University of Lagos, Akoka, was focused at unraveling the manner in which the city of Lagos has evolved and expanded with the complexities associated with providing effective planning frameworks and policies.The geographers stressed the increasing need for alternative planning framework such as the Transferrable Development Rights (TDR), which provides more incentives and sustainable options for Megacity development and governance in developing countries.They also highlighted the need for new geographies of urbanisation in the Lagos Megacity with emphasis on the analysis of the past, present and future urban land change trajectories together with evolving strategies for dealing with land governance and administration.In a communiqu issued at the end of the conference they suggested the integration of indigenous researchers' ideas and expertise into policy decisions and programmes rather than always inviting experts from overseas to handle development projects.The statement further suggested that Nigerians should be encouraged to live more climate-friendly lives and engage in activities that are less carbon releasing and energy efficient.The communiqu stated inter alia The Lagos State government should strengthen participatory governance structures and partnerships with other stakeholders.'It is also agreed that the land use planners be re-trained on the modern concepts of urban spatial planning that is holistic in making decisions relating to the location and distribution of human activities.'It was further agreed that there is the need for coordinated development and management of the fringe areas between the responsible states and local administrators of the Lagos Mega City.'The conference agreed that the current urbanisation trend and challenges should provoke ecologically friendly developments and constructions such as parks, recreations, afforestation, forest conservation, as well as, encouragement of urban forests and agriculture.'The conference advocates that periodic sampling of soil at the dumpsite and environs be carried out in order to monitor changes in the soil chemical properties, particularly the heavy metals especially, as it affects the groundwater resources.'Detailed and more frequent analysis of surface and groundwater are also advocated to prevent water borne diseases and have the knowledge of the use to which the water can be put.'The increasing need for proactive enforcement of all related bye laws and developmental controls was also suggested.'Effective strategies to protect and restore threatened natural resources should be established and global laws that protect them should also be enforced particularly in view of the fragile nature of the ecosystem of the Lagos Megacity.'The health implications and danger of encroachment of high voltage transmission line right of way were highlighted with calls on stakeholders to seriously enforce appropriate planning regulations.'On a final note the chairman for the closing ceremony session suggested that this type of conference should be a continuous activity to address and proffer solutions to the myriads of challenges and to harness the opportunities offered by the Lagos Megacity.
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