The Edo State Development and Building Control Agency has intensified its enforcement operations across the state, demolishing more than 500 illegal structures in Ugbor and Etete areas of the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City.
The exercise forms part of the state government’s broader urban renewal and regulatory compliance strategy aimed at promoting orderly development and safer communities.
According to the agency, the demolition targets unauthorised shanties, unsafe buildings, and structures erected without approved planning permissions, many of which violated existing building regulations.
Established under the 2022 Edo State building control law, the agency is responsible for approving building plans, monitoring construction activities, and ensuring full compliance with physical planning standards across the state.
Speaking in Benin City, the General Manager of the agency, Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, said the operation aligns with the government’s SHINE agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure development and sustainable urban growth.
He explained that enforcement efforts are not limited to Benin City but extend to Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts as part of a statewide compliance framework.
Darlington noted that the agency inherited significant challenges, including weak regulatory compliance and low public trust, which initially limited development control effectiveness.
However, he said recent reforms have improved compliance levels significantly, with registered building approvals increasing by over 200 percent.
He added that monthly building plan approvals are expected to rise further as public awareness and trust continue to improve, projecting between 500 and 1,000 approvals monthly.
The agency also introduced a regularisation programme for property owners with undocumented structures, allowing them to obtain proper approvals and improve property value while ensuring safety compliance.
Darlington stressed that proper documentation remains essential for urban safety, environmental protection, and sustainable infrastructure planning.
On recent enforcement actions, he confirmed that over 500 illegal structures were removed in Ugbor, while additional demolitions were carried out in Etete, where buildings, makeshift factories, and religious structures erected under power lines were cleared.
He further stated that the agency has encountered some resistance from communities but maintained that enforcement will continue without political interference, as the government prioritises public safety and environmental order.
The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to restoring urban planning discipline and ensuring that all developments align with approved physical planning standards.
