The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement on estates without approved layout plans and building permits.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said the enforcement targeted previously cautioned estates in the Lekki axis of the State.
The Commissioner reiterated Government’s zero-tolerance stance on unauthorised developments, urging estate developers to secure the necessary layout approvals and building permits before commencing construction.
He averred that the Office of Physical Planning was statutorily mandated to ensure that all physical developments across the State conform to approved planning standards and regulations.
“We will continue to enforce compliance across the State. Developers must prioritise obtaining layout approvals and building permits to avoid sealing and other penalties,” he stated.
He added that the enforcement drive formed part of the Lagos State Government’s broader commitment to promoting orderly urban development, safeguarding infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable growth in rapidly developing corridors such as Lekki-Ajah.
He emphasised that similar enforcement operations would be extended to other parts of the state to strengthen compliance and uphold planning standards.
The enforcement team visited several estates, including Victoria Nest, Vistaview Estate, Empire Homes, JadeView Estate, BlessedView Homes, and Micrian Villa Estate, among others.
In a related development
The Lagos State Government commenced strategic collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the proper documentation, planning and management of informal spaces across the State.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide disclosed this at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting in Alausa.
Dr. Olumide explained that the initiative was aimed at systematically documenting all informal spaces, including setbacks, open areas, and common spaces, with a view to clearly designating and optimally utilising them in line with planning standards.
According to him, over the years, the government had cleared several setbacks and common areas that later remained idle or were re-encroached upon due to the absence of proper planning and documentation.
“Common areas are deliberately set aside to enhance environmental quality. This programme is designed to change the narrative by ensuring that informal spaces are properly identified, planned, managed, and put to appropriate use,” the Commissioner stated.
He further noted that Lagos State had an estimated 3,000 hectares of informal spaces, stressing the need for intentional planning to ensure sustainable use.
“We must take charge of informal spaces, be mindful of how they are utilised, and ensure that we operate within a planned and well-managed urban environment,” he added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire said the programme would significantly enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment by demonstrating how setbacks and informal spaces could be properly planned and productively utilised.
He emphasised that informal spaces were often wrongly perceived as belonging to no one, noting that such spaces were among the State’s most valuable and limited natural resources, which must be protected and efficiently managed.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo expressed concern about ensuring that the initiative benefited residents without undermining their livelihoods whilst affirming his Ministry’s support for the programme and urging more advocacy.
