The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to global best practices in urban planning and physical development as part of efforts to promote sustainable growth and improve residents’ quality of life.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing held to mark the seventh year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Strategic Urban Planning Reforms

Olumide said the ministry has strengthened strategic planning collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to improve long-term urban development across Lagos State.

According to him, the reforms are expected to enhance infrastructure coordination, improve urban mobility, reduce environmental degradation, and support broader socio-economic development.

He noted that the government is aligning all physical development activities with approved planning standards and international urban management practices.

Improved Dispute Resolution and Enforcement

To improve compliance and public trust, the ministry intensified mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms for development-related disputes.

Olumide disclosed that the ministry received 987 petitions during the review period. Out of these:

• 399 cases were resolved through mediation
• 17 enforcement actions were carried out
• 52 properties were sealed
• 519 cases remain under investigation

He stated that the 47.76 per cent resolution rate has helped reduce litigation, improve enforcement efficiency, and strengthen public confidence in the system.

Technology-Driven Planning and Infrastructure Support

The commissioner said the ministry is increasingly adopting data-driven planning systems and digital tools to improve decision-making, land-use management, and spatial coordination.

He added that the government has also facilitated Right of Way approvals for key infrastructure projects, including road expansion and urban regeneration programmes.

Olumide stressed that enforcement activities have helped reduce unregulated estate development and promote safer and more organised communities across the state.

Urban Renewal and Corridor Development

As part of ongoing urban renewal efforts, the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority developed action plans for key corridors and informal spaces, including:

• AIT Powerline High Tension Corridor
• New Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge area
• Agric–Isawo corridor
• Itamaga–Elepe–Maya corridor
• Ogolonto–Ipakodo corridor

The interventions included mapping, stakeholder engagement, enforcement notices, and action area planning to prevent encroachment and restore order.

Appeals Committee Reconstituted

Olumide also announced the reconstitution of the 14-member Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee.

The committee will handle disputes, oversee regulatory issues, and investigate professional misconduct within the planning and building control system.

Regional Planning and Future Projects

He further disclosed that Lagos State has been assigned to lead the development of a master plan for the South-West region, alongside plans for an integrated rail transit system across the region.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a smart, sustainable, and well-organised city through continued reforms and inter-agency collaboration.

According to him, Lagos remains focused on balancing infrastructure development with environmental sustainability and economic growth to improve residents’ quality of life.

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The Lagos State Government generated approximately N80 billion from building approval applications in 2025, according to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide.

Olumide made the disclosure on Friday during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held to commemorate the seventh year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

According to the commissioner, the amount reflects the state’s growing success in planning regulation, permit processing, and revenue generation from development activities.

Approval Charges Vary By Location

Explaining how building approval fees are determined, Olumide said charges depend on the size, value, and location of a proposed development.

“For example, somebody developing in Ikorodu may not pay the same thing as somebody developing in Ikoyi,” he said.

He explained that all payments are made through designated banks and not directly to the ministry.

“It is after getting that receipt that you come to us and show the receipt. A copy of the receipt goes into your file and we process the application. We don’t collect money directly.

“What we know is that at the end of the year, our performance is reflected in revenue records. Last year, I think we generated about N80 billion or so,” he added.

Tax Compliance Important For Approval

The commissioner noted that applicants with questionable tax records could experience delays or rejection of their applications.

According to him, tax declarations must align with the scale of the proposed development.

“Now, you have somebody who pays N200,000 as annual tax and wants to develop a N3 billion building. Something is not okay. You have not disclosed the right tax information, and such an application may not proceed because your tax status is in doubt,” he said.

Government Warns Against Illegal Developments

Olumide also warned developers against constructing buildings on restricted corridors such as gas pipelines and power transmission routes.

He stressed that structures erected on such locations could face immediate demolition.

“If you build on a gas line, we will remove it immediately. If you build on a power line, we will remove it immediately,” he said.

The commissioner added that developments that significantly deviate from approved plans may also be demolished without delay.

Distressed Buildings Face Enforcement Action

He further disclosed that distressed and structurally unsafe buildings remain a major concern for the government.

According to him, buildings assessed as unsafe may be marked for urgent attention and, where necessary, demolished to protect lives and property.

“If a building is assessed and adjudged no longer suitable, it can be brought down immediately. When we mark a building as distressed, we are simply calling the owner’s attention to take necessary action,” Olumide stated.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing planning regulations, promoting orderly urban development, and ensuring public safety across Lagos State.

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Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved a ₦50,000 relief payment for workers in Lagos State as part of measures to ease rising economic pressure.

The announcement was made during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where the governor addressed workers across various sectors.

Represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said the payment would be added to workers’ May salaries and may be reviewed in the coming months.

Relief Measure Targets Rising Cost of Living

The ₦50,000 support package is designed to cushion the effects of inflation, energy costs, and broader economic challenges affecting workers.

According to the governor, the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to supporting its workforce, including teachers, healthcare workers, artisans, and civil servants.

He noted that Lagos’ growth remains tied to the daily contributions of its workers.

“Lagos is great because of you—the teacher who stays after hours, the nurse who takes extra shifts, and the artisan shaping future generations,” the statement read.

Workers to Receive Payment With May Salaries

Sanwo-Olu confirmed that every worker in the state will receive the ₦50,000 payment regardless of grade level.

He added that the intervention is not a one-off gesture but part of a broader welfare strategy that could be adjusted depending on economic realities.

Government Promises Continued Support

The Lagos State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to improving worker welfare through:

• Infrastructure development
• Timely salary payments
• Pension obligations
• Public service reforms

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that dialogue with labour unions remains key to maintaining industrial harmony.

Security and Productivity Linked

The governor highlighted the connection between security and productivity, stressing ongoing investments in:

Community policing

Surveillance systems

Security infrastructure

He noted that a safer environment directly improves worker output and economic stability.

Focus on Delivering Projects

Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu said his administration will prioritise completing major projects before the end of its tenure.

These include transport systems, housing delivery, and pension settlements.

“Our success will not be measured by promises, but by projects completed and lives improved,” he stated.

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Lagos State has emerged as the country’s biggest sub-national spender, with a 2026 budget of N4.44 trillion, as total state budgets across Nigeria rose by 45 per cent.

Proposed spending by state governments climbed to about N36.98 trillion for 2026, up from N25.58 trillion recorded in 2025, reflecting an expansionary fiscal posture at the sub-national level.

The increase follows the passage of proposed 2026 budgets by 34 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly, signalling higher spending plans across the federation.

At the centre of the surge is Lagos State, which maintains its position as Nigeria’s largest sub-national economy with a record N4.44 trillion budget for 2026. The figure places Lagos far ahead of other states in terms of fiscal size and economic capacity.

Kano State also joined the trillion-naira budget category with a proposed N1.48 trillion, but still trails Lagos significantly.

Analysts say the rise in state budgets reflects growing confidence among governments, supported by improved federal allocations and stronger internally generated revenue, particularly in economically vibrant states like Lagos.

Many governors have described the increased spending as necessary to boost infrastructure, improve service delivery, and stimulate local economies amid population growth and federal economic reforms.

By geopolitical zones, the South West, led by Lagos, accounts for the largest share of total sub-national spending, underscoring its stronger economic base and higher internally generated revenue.

However, experts warn that large budgets come with risks. Overly optimistic revenue projections, weak revenue mobilisation, and rising debt servicing costs could put pressure on state finances.

Promad Foundation has also raised concerns about whether the record budgets truly reflect the needs of citizens.

In a statement signed by its Communications Officer, Joseph Akujuobi, the foundation said the real measure of success would be the impact of the budgets on everyday life.

The group stressed that allocations must translate into better roads, functional hospitals, quality schools, improved transport, and real economic opportunities for residents.

Promad also called for greater transparency, citizen participation, and accountability, warning that weak oversight could turn the increased budgets into missed opportunities.

As states move into the implementation phase, observers say Lagos’ large budget will be closely watched as a benchmark for how expanded spending can translate into tangible development outcomes.

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has invited community leaders from Makoko and neighboring waterfront settlements for a meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to address petitions concerning recent demolitions and forced evictions.

The invitation, issued via a letter dated January 26 and signed by the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, requests leaders to present relevant documents to facilitate discussions.

The move follows widespread unrest in the waterfront communities after demolition exercises destroyed homes, schools, and small clinics. Residents and human rights groups allege the operations were conducted without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement, leaving many families homeless and living in precarious conditions. Some displaced persons have reportedly taken shelter on boats or with neighbors, while others relocated to other areas of Lagos State.

Community leaders claim the demolition extended far beyond the agreed 30-metre setback from high-tension power lines, reportedly reaching up to 520 metres, destroying properties and displacing residents. Francis Samson, a community chief, said, “Before the demolition, the government indicated only structures within 30 metres of power lines would be removed. However, they extended this to 100 metres and eventually demolished homes up to 520 metres.”

The destruction has severely impacted livelihoods, particularly for fishermen, while reports indicate deaths occurred during the operation, including a child from tear gas exposure and an adult from health complications following the demolition. Residents continue to plead with the government for clearly defined boundaries and sustainable resettlement solutions.

Oluwo Felix Fasinu, another community leader, emphasized the need for proper demarcation, stating, “Repeated appeals to the government to define our boundaries have yielded no results. People cannot be fully displaced after spending their entire lives here.”

The Assembly’s Committee on Rules and Business, led by Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, is yet to respond to follow-up enquiries. The meeting scheduled at the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, aims to address grievances, explore solutions, and ensure compliance with lawful procedures in the waterfront communities.

This engagement underscores Lagos State’s recognition of ongoing tensions in Makoko and the need for dialogue between authorities and affected communities to mitigate social, economic, and humanitarian impacts.

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The Lagos State Government has issued a final one-week warning to estate developers operating without approved layout plans, insisting that demolition and heavy fines will follow continued non-compliance.

The directive was announced by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, through an official statement shared on the Lagos State Government’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

Grace Period Expires for Defaulting Estates

According to the statement, the warning follows the expiration of an earlier grace period granted to several estates flagged for violating planning regulations. Despite repeated notifications, some developers have failed to submit their layout plans for approval or regularise their documentation.

The Commissioner stressed that the new one-week ultimatum represents the last opportunity for erring estates to comply with Lagos planning laws.

Government Restates Zero-Tolerance for Illegal Development

“The final one-week warning issued to the erring estates marks the last opportunity for them to submit their layout plans and obtain necessary approvals,” the statement read.

The government noted that unapproved estates pose environmental, safety and infrastructural risks—especially in fast-growing urban areas like Lekki, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and Alimosho.

More Enforcement Expected Across the State

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned developers against bypassing planning regulations, sealing several illegal construction sites in recent months. Officials say the new directive will trigger stronger enforcement, including sealing, demolition and financial penalties.

Residents and investors were urged to verify planning approvals before purchasing land or investing in new estates.

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The Lagos State Government has commenced a new round of enumeration for residents affected by the Oworonshoki demolition exercise.

The exercise, which took place on Monday, was conducted by the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) at the Oloworo Palace in Oworonshoki, Kosofe Local Government Area.

This latest phase focuses on residents who were not captured in the initial enumeration and compensation rounds. Another round of demolition had occurred in the Coker and Ojulari areas of Oworonshoki on October 26, 2025 — just hours after the government announced that 79 property owners had received compensation.

Speaking on the development, LASURA’s spokesperson, Adedeji Akolade, explained that the agency was identifying affected property owners for inclusion in the next compensation batch scheduled to take place soon.

“What we did today was to carry out the enumeration for the second batch. We are counting the number of property owners affected by the demolition to determine the extent of damage. Over 100 people were listed today, and the process continues tomorrow,” Akolade said.

Present at the event were LASURA’s General Manager, Oladimeji Animashaun, along with directors of the agency, traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives of community development associations.

Animashaun commended affected residents for their cooperation and praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for keeping his promise to compensate property owners.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu deserves commendation for fulfilling his commitment to compensate residents affected by the regeneration exercise,” he said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, for ensuring that all qualified residents receive due compensation.

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The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development via his official social media handle, stating that the enforcement followed credible complaints from concerned residents in the neighbourhood.

According to Wahab, the state’s environmental enforcement team visited the property on Monday evening and confirmed the indiscriminate dumping of waste on the premises. Immediate action was taken to seal the building in accordance with established environmental protection laws.

“This action is a direct response to verified reports of unlawful waste disposal. Lagos will not condone activities that endanger public health and degrade our environment,” Wahab said.

He further reiterated that the state government has intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across all local councils, warning that similar violations will be met with strict penalties.

“This should serve as a clear warning. Our teams are on the ground and monitoring continues, day and night, to ensure all residents comply with environmental regulations,” he added.

The move underscores the government’s commitment to improving sanitation, protecting the ecosystem, and ensuring a cleaner, safer Lagos for all.

The post Lagos Government Seals Property in Ikosi-Ketu for Environmental Violation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has denied claims that a property in Ikeja was demolished without legal approval. The response follows an allegation made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Obi claimed that a building owned by his younger brother was pulled down without any proper legal backing.

Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, addressed the issue in a media chat. He stated that no demolition takes place in Lagos without following the law. “We follow the law in Lagos State. No building can be removed without due process,” he said. Omotoso added that he would speak with relevant agencies to confirm the details.

Peter Obi shared his account on social media. He said his brother’s company had owned the property for over 15 years. According to Obi, unknown individuals demolished the structure without presenting any court order. He described the situation as “coordinated lawlessness” and criticized what he called the breakdown of order in Nigeria.

Officials from two key agencies—Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA)—denied involvement. LABSCA’s spokesperson said the demolition did not come from their office. LASPPPA’s representative added that she was not aware of the incident and asked for any official documents that could identify the agency responsible.

Several government agencies in Lagos are authorized to enforce demolitions based on the type of violation. In this case, the responsible agency remains unclear. As of the time of reporting, no authority had taken responsibility, and the Commissioner was yet to follow up on his statement.

The post Lagos Government Responds to Peter Obi’s Demolition Allegation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The enforcement operation, spearheaded by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Ikeja GRA Residents Association.

Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of LASBCA, who led the exercise, explained that the removal of the makeshift structures was necessary due to their use as hideouts by criminal elements. He said residents had raised alarms over suspicious activities in the area, including the concealment of suspected stolen goods within the shanties.

“In response to complaints from the Ikeja GRA community about ongoing security threats and criminal activity associated with the shanties, we had to take decisive action,” Oki said.

He added that the government had engaged with residents and stakeholders through meetings and official notifications before the clearance operation. Property owners and developers were also requested to submit documentation to verify compliance with approved building regulations.

Oki urged developers and landlords to respect planning laws and prioritize the safety and well-being of residents by adhering strictly to construction guidelines.

“Compliance with approved building plans is not optional. It’s essential for maintaining a safe and orderly environment,” he emphasized.

Tunde Disu, a resident of the area, commended the government’s swift intervention, describing the cleared structures as a persistent security nuisance. He assured authorities of the community’s continued support in efforts to restore order in Ikeja GRA.

Areas covered during the enforcement exercise included Isaac John Street, Michael Otedola Crescent, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Showemimo Street, and Ajisafe Street, among others.

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