Participatory Communication and Stakeholders' Perception of Delivery of Right of Way for Infrastructural Projects in Lagos State, Nigeria

This paper draws on in-depth field work in Lagos, Nigeria to describe the process of right of way delivery in Lagos State and explain the influence of participatory communication on stakeholders’ perception of the process being carried out through the ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The method of study adopted is ethnography. The paper situated Right of Way delivery within the precinct of development and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11). It further examined stakeholders’ preferred information sources and their views about the level of inclusiveness of the process of freeing setbacks of public road projects of encumbrances. The researchers posited that by offering instant feedback, face-to-face physical dialogues were effective in getting the buy-in of people whose property were affected. In conclusion, the researchers emphasised compliance with the right of way of infrastructure to enable Lagos State Government achieve the THEME (Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment & Tourism and Security and Governance) agenda. It was, therefore, recommended that government should not relent in ensuring that both traditional and digital media approaches are used in creating awareness for members of the public regarding the Right of Way of Government in order to facilitate the provision of social infrastructure for the betterment of the society.