In a move that’s set to reshape the city’s development landscape, the Lagos State Government has pulled the brakes on all building permit approvals along the path of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The decision, announced on Monday by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, stems from a growing need to synchronize the high-impact infrastructure project with existing and emerging urban plans.
Olumide, through a statement issued by ministry spokesperson Mukaila Sanusi, emphasized that this halt is essential to avoid clashes between the highway construction and key planning frameworks like the Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan, the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the Ode-Omi Action Area Plan. With these blueprints in various stages of implementation, the government believes a strategic pause will help protect the city’s long-term vision.
The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has been tasked with enforcing the suspension until further notice. While this move may affect developers eyeing the lucrative Lekki corridor, Olumide assured that it’s a temporary measure aimed at maintaining order amid large-scale transformation. He also reiterated that the state remains committed to a sustainable and well-structured urban environment, and that the coastal highway, once complete, will ultimately be a boon for Lagos.
The 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stretches from Lagos to Cross River, cutting through several coastal states. Construction began in March 2024, with the first phase executed by Hitech Construction—extending nearly 47.5 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village. A significant portion of this phase lies within Lagos, including a 55-kilometer stretch leading to the Lekki Deep Seaport and the Dangote Industrial Corridor. Although sections are already taking shape, the full six-lane highway remains under active construction.
