The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has commenced a fresh round of demolitions in the Ikate Elegushi area as part of its statewide effort to eliminate buildings erected without proper approval or authorization.
The enforcement operation, carried out jointly by the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Office of Urban Development, and LASBCA, targeted structures that reportedly violated building regulations, encroached on drainage setbacks, exceeded approved construction limits, and posed dangers to public safety.
Assembly Backs Intensified Enforcement
Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, said the Assembly fully supports ongoing measures to sanitise the built environment.
He noted that enforcing compliance is essential in a densely populated state like Lagos, where unregulated developments threaten lives and strain infrastructure.
Urban Development Office Raises Alarm on Environmental Risks
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, warned that illegal construction continues to undermine environmental sustainability and effective urban planning.
He added that the Ministry remains committed to supporting LASBCA in ensuring building standards are strictly enforced across the state.
LASBCA: Owners Ignored Multiple Notices
Acting General Manager of LASBCA, Bldr. Gbaye Florence, said the agency had issued stop-work orders and demolition notices to affected property owners before action was taken.
She emphasized that unapproved structures often lack structural integrity and pose severe safety threats.
Demolition Extends to Lekki–Ikoyi Axis
In continuation of the enforcement exercise, officials moved to the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor, where more illegal properties were identified. Some had been erected directly under high-tension power lines and were immediately marked for removal due to the extreme risk posed to residents and the public.
Officials also issued new warnings to developers and residents, stressing that the state government will no longer tolerate hazardous buildings.
No Area Will Be Exempt, Government Warns
During the exercise, officials addressed residents and builders, highlighting the consequences of ignoring statutory building procedures.
Hon. Ogunkelu reaffirmed that the House of Assembly will continue supporting enforcement agencies to ensure compliance, adding that the government will do all it can to reclaim land taken over by land grabbers.
Government Urges Compliance
The Lagos State Government appealed to developers and property owners to obtain proper approvals before commencing construction, warning that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse.
