The Lagos State Government has announced a new policy making insurance compulsory for all commercial buildings above two floors, as part of its drive to enhance safety, transparency, and investor confidence in the real estate sector.
The announcement came during the 2025 Real Estate Discussions and Awards (REDA) in Lagos, where officials outlined new reforms designed to modernise land administration and urban development through technology.
According to Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on Enterprise Geographic Information System (E-GIS) and Urban Development, Lagos has completed a comprehensive digital mapping to support the rollout of the E-GIS platform. The system will enable instant land searches, online applications, digital certification, and real-time verification of ownership and approvals.
Dr. Babatunde added that the state will begin land and building regularisation with a pilot project in Epe, alongside a new electronic permit system that allows compliant applicants to secure approvals in under 10 minutes. He cautioned developers against forged surveys, double allocations, and illegal constructions, warning that penalties would apply after a planned physical planning audit.
He reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to expanding land access through urban regeneration projects such as Katangua redevelopment, Okobaba relocation to Agboyi, and several site-and-service schemes designed to promote lawful and sustainable land use. He also disclosed plans to harmonise multiple land title systems – from Queen’s Titles to Federal and State Titles – into one transparent framework.
Supporting the initiative, Olumide Sotire, Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical and Urban Development, stressed the need for strict adherence to planning laws as Lagos grapples with rapid urbanisation. He cited major projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, and Lagos Rail System as new economic corridors driving sustainable growth and investment across the state.
