The Lagos State Government has commenced the installation of boundary demarcation signposts across the state to prevent encroachment and resolve disputes among neighbouring communities and bordering states.

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

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, disclosed this at the commencement of the exercise, saying the initiative was designed to ensure that boundaries were clearly marked in accordance with official specifications.

Bolarinwa said the state government was committed to ensuring that boundaries between communities and neighbouring states were properly identified in line with the position of the Office of the Surveyor-General.

She explained that the installation of signposts was a practical step towards upholding officially recognised boundary specifications and addressing ambiguities that could trigger disputes.

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

She said the exercise would support the provision of infrastructure, stimulate local economic activities, improve living conditions and reduce rural-urban migration.

Bolarinwa urged residents of border communities to protect the signposts against vandalism and refrain from actions capable of causing boundary disputes or disrupting public order.

She warned that anyone found demolishing the installed signposts would face sanctions.

The permanent secretary stressed that the state government would not tolerate actions capable of undermining social order, peaceful coexistence and the ease of doing business in Lagos.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending the benefits of democratic governance to communities across the state through the implementation of its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda.

Bolarinwa said rural communities would remain a priority in the government’s efforts to develop Lagos into a 21st-century economy and achieve a greater Lagos.