By Emmanuel Daniji

The Lagos State Government has begun installing boundary signposts in strategic locations to help residents identify territorial limits, prevent encroachment and reduce disputes among neighbouring communities and adjoining states.

The exercise is being coordinated by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and improve administration in border communities.

Speaking at the commencement of the project, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, said the initiative would provide clearer information about officially recognised boundaries and help prevent disagreements over land and territorial limits.

She explained that the signposts were being installed in line with the official specifications of the Office of the Surveyor-General.

Beyond preventing disputes, the government believes the exercise will help ensure that residents of border communities are properly identified and included in relevant welfare programmes. It is also expected to support the planning and delivery of roads, public facilities and other essential infrastructure.

According to Bolarinwa, improving access to infrastructure and government interventions in rural areas could raise living standards, boost economic activities and reduce the pressure on residents to move to urban centres in search of better opportunities.

She urged residents to protect the signposts and warned against vandalising or demolishing the structures, adding that offenders would face appropriate sanctions.

The permanent secretary also stressed that the government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting public order, threatening peaceful relations or undermining the state’s business environment.

She assured residents that the government remained committed to extending the benefits of democratic governance to communities across Lagos through its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

Locations where the signposts have been installed include Eredo in Epe, the Mojoda axis, Itokin–Ijebu-Ode Road, Ikorodu–Shagamu Road, Ojodu–Alagbole Road, Owode–Apa Road and the Seme border.

The exercise is expected to make boundary locations easier to identify and help reduce misunderstandings between communities and neighbouring states.

For residents living along these boundaries, clearer demarcation could also help local authorities identify their areas of responsibility more effectively, particularly when planning public services and development projects.

The government’s next challenge will be ensuring that the signposts remain in place and that boundary-related concerns are addressed through proper surveying and dialogue, helping communities coexist peacefully while benefiting from development across the state.