The Lagos State Government has sealed more than 20 properties in Ikeja Local Government Area for violating physical planning regulations, as authorities intensify enforcement of planning laws to promote orderly urban development and reduce the risk of building failures. The exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) as part of its ongoing compliance drive.

The affected properties include undeveloped plots, buildings under construction, and structures with unauthorised extensions that were found to be in breach of the Lagos State Physical Planning Law. Officials said the enforcement action followed routine inspections aimed at identifying developments that failed to obtain the required planning approvals before construction.

Speaking during the exercise, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Wasiu, said compliance with planning regulations is essential to preventing building collapse, protecting lives and property, and ensuring sustainable physical development across the state. He noted that property owners and developers must obtain the necessary permits before commencing any construction activities.

LASPPPA also reiterated that enforcement measures are intended to encourage voluntary compliance rather than punish developers. The agency urged owners of affected properties to regularise their documentation and comply with planning requirements before resuming construction or occupancy.

Urban planning professionals have welcomed the renewed enforcement, arguing that strict compliance with planning laws is necessary to improve public safety, preserve infrastructure, and support sustainable urban growth. They also called for faster permit approval processes and greater public awareness to encourage compliance and reduce illegal developments.

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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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