The Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development has started a strong action against people reclaiming land illegally in Lekki. In a recent inspection of Ikota Creek, Eleganza, and nearby places, over 100 warning notices and 10 stop-work orders were given to those building without permission.

Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, led the visit himself. He said clearly that the government will no longer ignore people breaking the law and damaging nature. This operation is part of a bigger plan to protect the environment and follow building rules across the state.

During the inspection, officials found people filling in water areas and changing the flow of the creek. These actions were done without the right permits. They also increase the risk of flooding and other problems for the nearby communities.

Commissioner Alebiosu explained that the waterfront is not open land for anyone to use. These areas are important for nature. They help protect the land from the sea and support the environment. He said anyone who breaks the rules will face strong action. “These waterfronts belong to all of us,” he said. “We must protect them together.”

He also ordered all illegal work to stop immediately. Anyone who continues will be punished according to the law. The Ministry will keep checking these areas and take action where needed. The goal is to manage the waterfronts in a way that helps both people and the environment.

He encouraged builders and residents to get the right permits before starting work. It is important to follow the rules and respect the space needed near the water. By working together, Lagos can grow in a way that is safe and healthy for everyone. This supports the state’s THEMES Plus plan for a better and more organized city.

Lagos is growing fast. More people are building homes and businesses every day. But with this growth comes the need to protect nature. The message from the government is now very clear: the water’s edge is not a place for illegal building. And this time, there will be no second chances.

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Task Force Mandate and Objectives

The Task Force will support the Department of Development Control by monitoring all districts for unauthorized construction activities.

Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Felix Obuah, emphasized the importance of ensuring strict adherence to approved building plans.

The Task Force will analyze violations, issue contravention notices, and enforce penalties, including fines, withdrawal of approvals, or demolition of illegal structures.

Strengthening Enforcement and Compliance

Obuah, represented by Development Control Director Mukhtar Galadima, stressed the need for collaboration with professional bodies and private sector tools for efficient monitoring.

Task Force Chairman, Engr. Osah Gabriel Azunuka, assured commitment to delivering on the mandate.

Composition of the Task Force

Members include experts from various fields such as planning, architecture, and engineering, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to urban development control in the capital city.

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During a stakeholders’ engagement at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) headquarters, government officials reiterated the need for compliance with legal building standards.

Two-Week Deadline for Property Owners
Dr. Babatunde Abiodun, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, stressed that all properties on Banana Island must have valid building approvals. He highlighted the increasing number of illegal shoreline extensions and warned that such infractions would not be tolerated.

Property owners with developments along the shoreline have been given a two-week ultimatum to submit relevant documents for verification.

Government Officials Face Obstruction
Nurudeen Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, condemned recent incidents where government officials were prevented from conducting routine inspections.

“It is completely unacceptable for anyone to obstruct lawful duties. Development control ensures safety and order for all residents, and we will not be deterred,” Sodeinde stated.

Enforcement Actions to Follow
LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, announced that structures encroaching on high-tension powerline setbacks would be removed after the deadline.

“These buildings pose serious risks to lives and violate safety codes. We will commence enforcement immediately after the ultimatum expires,” Oki warned.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its stance on strict urban planning enforcement, urging property owners to comply with regulations to avoid demolition or legal action.

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These haphazard developments, often leaving no room for essential setbacks or proper airspaces, pose significant risks to the city’s safety, aesthetics, and environmental health.

Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, took decisive action by ordering the immediate stoppage of ongoing construction at Number 8, Isale Gangan Street, citing its inadequate land space and violation of regulations. Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal construction, he led a team to seal multiple properties on Lagos Island found to be operating without the required planning permits.

Olumide emphasized the importance of compliance with physical planning laws, noting that the government had previously extended a generous amnesty program for property owners. The initiative allowed those without proper permits to regularize their documentation without incurring immediate penalties. However, many ignored the opportunity, choosing instead to proceed with unauthorized constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards.

“Our focus is not just punitive,” Olumide stated. “The goal is to foster a culture of compliance among residents and property developers. By adhering to planning regulations, we can ensure that Lagos remains a safe, livable, and orderly city for everyone. The exercise we’ve commenced on Lagos Island will extend to other parts of the state to uphold these standards.”

The commissioner warned that unregulated developments pose severe risks, including the increased likelihood of building collapses, environmental harm, and disruption to planned city layouts. Properties sealed during the enforcement drive include those on Okesuna Street, Okepopo Street, Sunmonu Street, Olushi Street, Isale Gangan Street, and others located on Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun Streets.

Olumide called on residents, property owners, and developers to fulfill their civic responsibilities by securing the necessary approvals before beginning any construction projects. He also urged owners of small, adjoining plots of land to explore land-pooling options to facilitate the development of organized and sustainable living environments.

To sustain the city’s development agenda, the commissioner highlighted the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to report illegal constructions. “We rely on the vigilance of Lagosians to identify and alert us to planning violations early on. By doing so, we can take timely action and ensure the orderly growth of our built environment,” he added.

Joining the commissioner in the enforcement exercise were the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olumide Sotire, alongside directors from the Ministry of Physical Planning and officials from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). The joint effort underscores the government’s determination to safeguard the structural integrity and aesthetic value of Lagos, ensuring the city’s resilience for future generations.

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