Developer pushes for ‘strategic planning’ as Ibeju-Lekki booms

As Ibeju-Lekki undergoes one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure transformations, real estate developer Oluremi Oshikanlu is calling for urgent and strategic planning to guide its explosive growth and secure its future as a sustainable urban hub.

Spurred by multi-billion dollar projects such as the Lekki Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the proposed international airport, Ibeju-Lekki has become a magnet for investors, residents, and businesses.

But Oshikanlu, developer of Shalom Park Estate and a respected voice in Lagos’s property sector, warns that without a coordinated development strategy, the region could face severe urban challenges, including increased traffic congestion.

“The infrastructural development in Ibeju-Lekki is a game-changer,” he said. “But to create a sustainable environment, strategic planning must be at the heart of every project.”

He highlighted critical areas needing attention, including urban design, transport networks, utilities, and access to quality social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. Without these, he cautioned, the influx of people and businesses could overwhelm existing systems, resulting in traffic gridlock, infrastructure stress, and social displacement.

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Echoing this stance, Oluwatobi Ariremako, business development manager at Shalom Park Estate, emphasised the need for long-term thinking in property development.

“We’re aligning our projects with sustainability principles—conducting environmental assessments, integrating with the local community, and creating functional spaces that serve future generations,” he said.

Ariremako also pointed to the importance of clear and consistent policies in land administration and development approvals to boost investor confidence and ensure orderly growth. “Transparency and predictability in land administration are critical to fostering investor confidence,” he said.

Oshikanlu, who is actively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, believes Ibeju-Lekki offers a unique opportunity to build a modern, well-planned urban centre if planning frameworks are put in place now.

“We have a unique opportunity to build a modern, well-organised urban center in Ibeju-Lekki. This requires a commitment to integrated planning encompassing land use management, environmental conservation, and all aspects of sustainable development.”