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.

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This decisive action is part of the state’s ongoing campaign to curb unregulated development and uphold urban planning standards.

The crackdown was spearheaded by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and targeted properties that had ignored an extended amnesty program designed to assist property owners in regularizing their building permits. According to a statement shared on the government’s official Facebook page on Saturday, this enforcement underscores the state’s firm stance against illegal construction and its commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly cityscape.

The amnesty program, which initially ran from May 2 to July 30, 2024, provided a rare opportunity for property owners and developers to obtain building approvals without incurring penalties. The program was further extended twice, first to October and later to December 31, 2024, to allow more participants to comply. Despite these leniencies, many property owners chose to flout the rules, pressing ahead with unauthorized constructions that violated structural, environmental, and safety standards.

Commissioner Olumide expressed disappointment at the lack of compliance, stating, “The amnesty program was a golden opportunity for property owners to regularize their building permits without facing immediate consequences. Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative, choosing instead to erect illegal structures that fail to meet safety and urban planning standards. The government’s objective is not to punish but to ensure compliance, protecting the lives and properties of all Lagos residents.”

The enforcement team sealed several properties in prominent areas, including buildings on Okesuna Street, Okepopo Street, Sunmonu Street, Olushi Street, and Isale Gangan Street. A construction project at No. 8 Isale Gangan Street was particularly flagged for its inadequate setbacks and air spaces, raising serious safety concerns. Other affected areas included Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun streets, where ongoing developments failed to meet the city’s planning and structural regulations.

Dr. Olumide stressed that unregulated developments not only jeopardize public safety but also disrupt the city’s master plan, leading to structural collapses, environmental degradation, and poor urban aesthetics. He urged developers and landowners to prioritize compliance, emphasizing the long-term benefits of proper urban planning. “Adherence to these regulations is not optional—it is critical for creating a livable, sustainable Lagos,” he added.

In a bid to encourage sustainable development, the commissioner also advocated for land-pooling strategies, particularly for owners of small adjoining plots. This approach, he explained, could foster better land utilization, allowing for more organized and sustainable urban environments.

The enforcement operation was conducted with the involvement of key officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Olumide Sotire, directors from the Ministry of Physical Planning, and representatives from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to extending this enforcement drive to other parts of the state, leaving no room for illegal developments. This proactive stance reflects a broader vision to safeguard lives, protect the environment, and maintain the aesthetic integrity of Lagos as a thriving metropolis.

As the government intensifies its efforts, property developers and residents are being reminded of their responsibility to obtain proper approvals before embarking on construction projects. The recent operation serves as a clear signal that non-compliance will not be tolerated, as Lagos pushes forward with its mission to ensure a safe, orderly, and sustainable urban landscape.

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Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, disclosed this directive in Alausa, highlighting its role in enhancing public safety and urban planning.

“Property owners will now be required to install CCTV cameras in all existing buildings with six floors or more along major roads and in all proposed or under-construction buildings of similar height across the state,” Olumide stated. He added that the mandate extends to commercial buildings, which must also comply to secure approvals.

According to the commissioner, the initiative, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aligns with the state’s vision of balancing security with physical planning considerations.

To ensure consistency, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority will establish standardized specifications for CCTV systems. The authority will also oversee regular maintenance and inspection schedules to guarantee functionality.

“The agency will mandate property owners to provide footage to state security agents upon request,” Olumide explained.

The commissioner urged stakeholders to support the initiative, describing it as integral to the state’s smart city aspirations and the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, which aims to create a liveable, organized, and sustainable Lagos.

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In a statement released by Mukaila Sanusi, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide made the appeal during a strategic planning meeting held in Alausa on Wednesday.

“Proper planning cannot be achieved without the support and contributions of the people. This is why my doors are always open for Lagos residents to make their complaints, report any observed untoward developments, and contribute generally to the sustainable development of the state,” Dr. Olumide stated.

He assured residents of the ministry’s dedication to carrying out its regulatory duties impartially and called on them to help build a sustainable Lagos by promptly reporting any violations they encounter.

The Commissioner emphasized that ministry officials and agency staff had been directed to uphold integrity and avoid supporting illegal activities. He warned that any staff member found culpable would face strict disciplinary action in line with the state’s regulations.

Dr. Olumide also outlined several channels for reporting infractions, including direct reports to his office, the Lagos MPP&UD App available on Google Play and iOS, and the ministry’s hotlines: 07030653241 and 08034698264.

He further noted the importance of whistleblowers in achieving a livable, organized, and sustainable environment, assuring residents that such individuals are protected by the state.

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