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.

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The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has sealed an ongoing construction project and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to another property within the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor over unauthorised development.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), LASBCA said its enforcement team on Thursday sealed a building under construction on Femi Okunnu Road, Alexander Avenue, after the developers failed to obtain the necessary building permits.

The agency emphasised that strict adherence to building regulations is vital to curb the spread of illegal developments and to maintain safety and order in Lagos’ fast-growing urban landscape.

In a related action, LASBCA issued a 72-hour notice to QMB Mart, directing the removal of all illegal structures erected on Coastal Road and beneath the powerline.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun, the affected space had been designated strictly as a parking area. However, occupants allegedly converted it into a commercial hub, setting up a laundromat, clubhouse, and eatery without official approval.

“Development in Lagos must follow due process,” Abiodun said. “Any structure erected without approval or any change of use of government-allocated spaces without authorisation is illegal. The state remains committed to enforcing its master plan.”

LASBCA’s General Manager, Gbaye Florence, reaffirmed the agency’s determination to intensify monitoring across all development zones.

“Our mandate is to ensure that buildings in Lagos are safe and meet global standards,” she said. “Any developer who flouts building regulations will face enforcement measures.”

The agency maintained that its state-wide enforcement exercise will continue as part of efforts to eliminate unsafe and unauthorised structures, ensuring a safer and more orderly Lagos.

Earlier this week, LASBCA announced plans to step up inspections and compliance drives across all 57 local government and local council development areas, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to public safety and urban discipline.

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