Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has defended his administration’s recent land allocation programme following public criticism, insisting that the initiative is designed to expand homeownership, promote housing development, and improve the welfare of residents rather than serve political interests. He also urged beneficiaries to develop their allocated plots into residential properties instead of leaving them idle or engaging in speculative land trading.

Speaking during the presentation of allocation documents, Governor Yusuf said the programme forms part of his administration’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit by making land more accessible to residents. He maintained that wider access to land ownership is essential for sustainable urban development, wealth creation, and economic growth across Kano State.

The governor encouraged all beneficiaries to begin construction as soon as possible and ensure that buildings are developed on solid foundations that comply with approved planning and engineering standards. He stressed that responsible land development would contribute to safer communities, orderly urban expansion, and improved living conditions.

Governor Yusuf also dismissed allegations surrounding the allocation process, stating that the programme was implemented transparently and in line with the government’s development objectives. He reaffirmed that the initiative is intended to empower citizens through property ownership while stimulating investment in the housing and construction sectors.

The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning reiterated the government’s commitment to improving land administration and providing beneficiaries with the necessary support to facilitate property development. He urged recipients to take advantage of the opportunity by developing their plots rather than selling them immediately.

Urban development experts note that land allocation programmes can significantly improve housing delivery when supported by adequate infrastructure, transparent administration, and strict compliance with physical planning regulations. They add that encouraging beneficiaries to build on allocated land helps prevent speculation, increases housing supply, and promotes sustainable community development.

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The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy has called for greater commitment to physical planning and sustainable urban development as part of efforts to build safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities across Nigeria.

The call was made in a statement marking the 2026 World Environment Day, where the foundation urged governments, private sector actors, and citizens to prioritise responsible environmental management and orderly urban development.

Urbanisation Driving Environmental Challenges

According to the foundation, rapid urbanisation in Nigeria and other developing countries has intensified environmental and infrastructural challenges.

These include flooding, traffic congestion, pollution, indiscriminate development, housing shortages, and climate-related disasters.

Founder of the foundation, Nathaniel Atebije, said these challenges highlight the urgent need for effective physical planning as a strategic tool for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social stability.

The foundation stressed that no nation can achieve resilient and sustainable cities without strict adherence to sound urban and regional planning principles.

It described physical planning as one of the most effective tools for:

• Orderly urban development
• Environmental protection
• Disaster risk reduction
• Efficient land use management
• Creation of livable human settlements

Call for Stronger Institutions and Enforcement

The organisation urged all levels of government to strengthen planning institutions and enforce development control regulations.

It also called for the preparation and implementation of functional regional, urban, and local development plans across the country.

The foundation further insisted that planning approvals and infrastructure decisions should be guided by qualified indigenous planning professionals with strong knowledge of local environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Private Sector and Developers Urged to Comply

The foundation appealed to corporate organisations, private developers, financial institutions, and individuals to integrate physical planning principles into all development projects and investment decisions.

It warned that developments carried out without proper planning often lead to:

• Environmental hazards
• Economic losses
• Avoidable disputes
• Unsustainable urban growth patterns

Underutilisation of Local Expertise

The statement noted that Nigeria has a pool of highly trained indigenous professionals in the built environment sector whose expertise remains underutilised in national development.

It stressed that involving town planners and related experts in project design, site selection, environmental management, and infrastructure planning is both a legal requirement and a long-term investment in sustainability.

Need to Update and Enforce Master Plans

The foundation also called for a comprehensive review and implementation of urban and regional master plans to reflect Nigeria’s rapid population growth and climate change realities.

It urged strict enforcement of development control regulations to prevent illegal structures and encroachment on floodplains, road setbacks, green areas, and utility corridors.

Commitment to Advocacy and Awareness

Reaffirming its mission, the foundation said it remains committed to promoting planning consciousness, environmental sustainability, housing advocacy, and responsible urban governance through research, policy advocacy, and public enlightenment.

“We call on all citizens to become active partners in protecting our environment and building cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for present and future generations,” the group stated.

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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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The continued violation of the Abuja Master Plan has been described as a major threat to sustainable urban development, environmental protection, and investment security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to planning experts, the Abuja Master Plan remains a legally binding document established under the provisions of the FCT Act, meaning that all land allocations and developments within the territory must strictly comply with approved land use regulations.

They warned that any land allocation or development carried out outside the approved framework constitutes a direct violation of the law and exposes investors to significant risks.

“The Abuja Master Plan is not a hidden document. It is a public document that has even been commercialised by the authority to create awareness and prevent violations,” the statement noted.

The experts stressed that developers who embark on projects contrary to approved land use plans cannot claim ignorance, especially where there have been public concerns and objections regarding such developments.

“Ignorance of the law is never an excuse,” the statement added.

They explained that Sections 3 and 4 of the FCT Act clearly establish the responsibilities of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), including the preparation and implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, land use coordination, provision of infrastructure, and overall physical planning within the territory.

According to the statement, the Master Plan was developed after extensive consultations involving Nigerian professionals, technical experts, and international planning consultants to ensure compliance with global urban planning standards while reflecting Nigeria’s cultural and developmental realities.

The Urban and Regional Planning Department was specifically assigned the responsibility of safeguarding the Master Plan and ensuring that all allocations align with approved land use requirements.

The statement further noted that any allocation carried out without the input and approval of the Urban and Regional Planning Department violates established procedures and often results in land use infractions.

Experts argued that many of the current planning challenges in Abuja stem from the disregard for these checks and balances.

They warned that several aspects of the original city vision, particularly environmental protection and green infrastructure, are gradually being eroded by unchecked developments.

“The Garden City Concept was to be achieved with 33 per cent of land allocated for greening, but many buffer zones and ecological corridors are now being encroached upon,” the statement said.

The experts expressed concern that waterways and green areas originally designed to absorb runoff and reduce flooding have been drastically reduced due to illegal developments.

They also noted that environmental sustainability formed a major part of the philosophy behind the Abuja Master Plan, with provisions aimed at preserving natural landscapes and ensuring long-term urban resilience for future generations.

According to them, enforcement actions can still be taken against projects found to contravene approved land use regulations, regardless of whether such developments have been completed or are still under construction.

The statement also cautioned public officials against using their positions to facilitate land use violations for personal or political interests.

“The appointment of an FCT Minister is a trust to supervise implementation of the Master Plan, not a licence for indiscriminate land acquisition or violations,” the experts stated.

They dismissed claims that ongoing violations could be justified under the guise of “readjustment” or “review” of the Master Plan, insisting that no review process permits illegal developments that deprive the public of planned infrastructure and environmental benefits.

The experts further warned that future administrations could revisit and reverse many controversial allocations and developments, noting that several investors had previously lost properties due to non-compliance with planning regulations.

“History has shown that unlawful developments eventually face enforcement actions. Developers involved in land use violations should take note,” the statement concluded.

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The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the recent demolition of buildings in FESTAC Town, clarifying that it had no involvement in the exercise and did not issue any authorisation for the operation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 14, by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the government said the clarification became necessary following public speculation linking it to the demolitions.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, speaking from Alausa, said the state operates a transparent process for any authorised demolition, which includes the issuance of statutory notices and stakeholder engagement before any structure is removed.

“The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the recent demolition of structures in FESTAC Town,” the statement read. “Contrary to speculation, the State Government had no role in the exercise.”

Olumide emphasised that the state was not responsible for the operation, noting that FESTAC Town falls under the administration of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). He urged federal agencies operating within Lagos to seek clearance from the ministry before undertaking any demolition to avoid conflict and misinformation.

While clarifying its position on the FESTAC exercise, the state government confirmed that it had recently carried out demolitions at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, targeting unapproved and unsafe structures deemed to pose public safety risks.

According to the ministry, the affected buildings lacked valid planning permits, despite several amnesty opportunities given to owners to regularise their developments. It dismissed as misleading claims by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that affected traders had obtained necessary approvals.

The statement further clarified that the Trade Fair Complex Management Board has no authority to issue building approvals, citing a 2003 Supreme Court ruling affirming Lagos State’s jurisdiction over physical planning and development control even on federal lands except in core federal enclaves.

In a related development, the government announced plans to begin the removal of properties built on illegal reclamation sites across Lagos from October 15, warning that such structures obstruct natural waterways and contribute to flooding.

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The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is intensifying public engagement as it pushes to double the number of planning permits issued annually—from 18,000 in 2024 to 40,000 or more.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, disclosed this at a press briefing in Alausa ahead of a stakeholder engagement themed “Planning Permit: A Rebirth”, which begins September 26.

“Our assessment shows that Lagos should be issuing between 40,000 and 45,000 planning permits annually,” Oluyinka said. “We are far below this mark, which is why we are going back to the grassroots to sensitize the public and key stakeholders.”

He likened a planning permit to a birth certificate, saying it gives legal recognition to buildings and enables compensation if government reclaims land for infrastructure.

“Just as every child receives a birth certificate, every building in Lagos must have a planning permit,” he said. “Without it, the structure is not recognized by law.”

The commissioner noted that applicants can now submit directly to 57 district offices without using intermediaries. “Once your drawings and documents are complete, you receive a registration number immediately. All things being equal, you get your approval within 10 working days,” he said.

Oluyinka warned that buildings without permits face penalties and demolition. “You cannot drive a car without a license. In the same way, no building should be erected in Lagos without a planning permit. We will know, and we will act.”

He added that applicants must present valid land titles and up-to-date tax clearance, noting that many people applying are not tax-compliant. “Under the new reforms, you must show evidence of tax payment before your application is processed,” he said.

Oluyinka urged residents to see the permit process as an investment, not a burden. “If you present a property document without a planning permit to a bank or embassy, it is invalid. The permit protects you, your family, and your investment,” he said.

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Physical planning is at the heart of every sustainable society. It is the deliberate process through which land, resources, infrastructure, and human activities are organized to achieve harmonious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing human settlements. In Nigeria, however, physical planning has been historically weak, reactive and often compromised by poor governance, corruption, rapid urbanization and a disregard for environmental sustainability. From the chaotic growth of Lagos to the uncoordinated sprawl of Abuja and the deteriorating conditions of older cities such as Kano, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s urban and regional development trajectory reflects a mismatch between policy intent and implementation reality. Recalibrating physical planning in Nigeria is therefore not a matter of choice but of necessity. The country faces an urban population projected to reach over 60% by 2050, growing informal settlements, climate-related risks, and infrastructural deficits. To avert urban crises, Nigeria must realign its planning system, laws, institutions, and practices with contemporary realities.

Historically, physical planning laws in Nigeria can be traced to the colonial period, when the British introduced rudimentary town planning ordinances mainly to serve administrative, commercial, and expatriate enclaves as basic idea of physical planning was not completely alien to native intelligence in Africa. We can see the example of physical planning as demonstrated in the ancient Kingdom of Benin. However, laws, as we know today, were a British invention. The 1917 Township Ordinance and the 1946 Lagos Town Planning Ordinance focused more on segregation than holistic development. Post-independence, the 1978 Land Use Act and the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992 (now Cap N138, LFN 2004) sought to institutionalize planning, but enforcement has been weak. Beyond that, the unitary nature of the latter legislation has been whittled down by the decision of the apex court of Nigeria in the case of the AG, Lagos state v. AG, Federation wherein physical planning matters in the country were declared to be a residual matter under the Nigerian Constitution.

The federating states, since that decision in 2004, has exclusive competence to deal with physical planning development matters. Hence, the recent attempt by some unscrupulous federal government officials to encroach the area of physical planning and hijack once again this exclusive constitutional role of the States governments is not only immoral, illegal but criminal. In my strong view, it is enough ground to remove a public official who swore to uphold the tenets of the Constitution. I must register the fact that chaos witnessed in the physical development of the country is not unconnected with the then unhealthy dichotomy which the Supreme Court has resolved now. This unholy and ungodly effort to return us to that barbaric era is not only regrettable and unfortunate but sinful and wicked. Consequently, all efforts must be geared towards restraining these agents of destabilization and retrogression from achieving their objectives. As I opined above, the implication of such retrogressive act is the birth of unplanned urban sprawl, traffic congestion, weak zoning control, flooding due to blocked drainages, and the proliferation of slums. The huge contribution of environmental impact on the health of the citizens due to poor physical planning cannot equally be underestimated.
This trajectory reveals a need to recalibrate physical planning beyond outdated frameworks. Towards this end, so many actions must be taken. The foremost of this must be the review of the various physical planning laws. To the best of my knowledge, most of the town planning laws today are not only obsolete, they are simply not dynamic. As it was in the past, they are not holistic but only segmental and sectoral. Even the basic amendment to the parent legislation in the country, as overhauled by the Supreme Court decision referred to above, has not been effected. The National Assembly, and by extension, other relevant bodies are yet to align the said Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act in line with the import of the apex court’s decision. Beyond this, the various states, except Lagos and possibly Kaduna States, to the best of my knowledge, have not made attempts at updating their physical planning laws. Even where there had been such an attempt, most of them basically capture layout and land uses. A contemporary legislation must reflect other developing crucial issues such as traffic, waste water management, noise level etc that I shall be unveiling in the course of this conversation.

Even where the legislations are updated, there still exists the challenge of weak institutional frameworks. Planning agencies at federal, state, and even local local levels often lack coordination and at times, work at cross purposes. The truth remains that, even as between the federal agencies and the states, the relationship is usually hostile, frosty and rancorous, as the federal government agencies and officials will always want to be overbearing, not for good cause but out of greed. It is still shameful that despite the resolution of the conflicts by the apex court, duplication of functions and jurisdictional disputes that undermine the efficiency of physical planning still exists. Moreover, building permits and land allocations are still frequently politicized or influenced by corruption, thereby undermining professional standards. In fact, the process of obtaining development permits is still largely fraught with corruption.

The same vice afflicts land allocation as the politicization element still plagues land allocation and use . Approvals are giving for wrong uses on ground of politics and at times outright corruption. An area zoned for residential purposes are now largely bastardized with commercial developments and vice versa. The rapid urbanization of the country is equally a contributory factor. With Nigeria’s population exceeding 220 million, urban centres are expanding without adequate infrastructure or planning. Lagos, for example, faces severe traffic bottlenecks, housing shortages, and environmental degradation. Even at that, planning models still fall short of the expectations. For instance, in a place like Ikoyi and Victoria Island of Lagos State, the government continues to approve skyscrapers without adequate network of roads.

A place like Banana Island that prides itself as the costliest real estate in the state has only a single entry and exit road. The original population of Banana Island planned for is now less than three times the population residing there and still ongoing with continuous reclamation and construction of multiple blocks of flats. This is further compounded by similar developments along and around the same vicinity. It is now becoming a nightmare, traffic wise, for residents of the area. There is no plan for waste water management or even provision of potable water, nor even Parks in the area.
Thus, gradually, the entire prime areas are now turning into urban slums. Environmental and climate pressures also renders planning ineffective. As I have noted in my several interventions on climate change, Nigeria is one country that is impacted by all the three hazards of climate change. As we experience flooding in Lagos, desertification in the north, so also we have coastal and gully erosion in the southeast, often aggravated by poor land use and absence of disaster-sensitive planning. Just as symptomatic of our other laws, the planning laws are often honoured more in breaches than observance. Weak enforcement and public disregard for planning regulations continue to foster illegal developments, sometimes backed by the influential elite.

Again, the compromise by government officials and lack of political will are impairing effective and urban renewal. To rescue the deplorable situation, there must be paradigm shift in the ways and manners we do things. To this end, recalibrating physical planning development in Nigeria requires a shift from traditional, paper-based master plans to dynamic, integrated, and participatory systems. To actualize this, the following prerequisites must occur. Our planning laws must envisage sustainability ad resilience. Planning must integrate environmental safeguards, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. It must not only be equitable but inclusive. Planning must address housing affordability, slum upgrading, and accessibility for vulnerable populations. Integrated regionalism is also key in resuscitating our battered physical development.

Our development must transcend city boundaries into rural and urban economies integration. The new planning concept must be technology-driven. GIS, satellite mapping, and big data analytics should replace obsolete manual methods. Lagos is assuming leadership amongst the states in this regard. Participatory Governance in planning is another key component that must be embraced. Although in some of the States legislations, there is provision for this but most times never observed nor complied with. Hardly are stakeholders consulted in planning schemes. Citizens, civil society, and professional bodies must be central to planning decisions. All the above must result into legal and institutional reforms. As a matter of urgency, the country must revisit the Land Use Act to democratize land access and curb executive abuse and politicization.

Similarly, the Urban and Regional Planning Laws as earlier canvassed, should be updated to reflect modern realities, with stricter penalties for non-compliance and clearer roles for local governments. The institutions responsible for administration and enforcement must be strengthened. Agencies saddled with the engagements, both at the states and local planning authorities levels, must be professionalized, adequately funded, and insulated from political manipulation. Coordination mechanisms among them should be institutionalized. Urban renewal and slum upgrading must be aggressively pursued.

Instead of demolitions and neglecting the slums, Nigeria should adopt inclusive slum upgrading strategies, providing infrastructure, tenure security, and community facilities in line with UN-Habitat’s best practices. This is the progressive way to go. Promotion of smart cities and digital infrastructure is crucial. Urban centres like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt must embrace smart city initiatives such as intelligent traffic management, e-permit systems, digital monitoring of land use, and predictive urban modelling. I know, to a certain extent, that Lagos and Abuja are on course in this regard but only need to ramp it up. Balanced development requires strengthening of regional economic hubs, effective land-use zoning, and development corridors that link agriculture, industry and markets.

This, as of necessity, would equally signify the need for the control of noise level of each area. As earlier remarked, proper planning demands incorporation of climate -sensitive responses. Flood-prone cities such as Lagos must integrate blue-green infrastructure like wetlands, retention ponds, and coastal protection systems. Regrettably, all these are being daily abused through indiscriminate reclamation of wetlands as well as massive deforestation. Desertification-prone areas should implement green belts and reforestation initiatives such as the tree planting initiatives. Since my days as the Commissioner in charge of the environment in Lagos State, I have facilitated the legislation on this. Awareness campaigns, civic education, and citizen feedback platforms are necessary to build compliance and community ownership of plans.

As observed above, although Lagos State and Abuja have made some progress, yet they still battle illegal developments which dot the areas, the bane of which I suspect are compromises, enforcement inconsistency and politicization. Abuja Master Plan was once celebrated but has now suffered distortions from political interests. The lesson derivable from this is that the plans made must be sacred documents immune to arbitrary alteration. They must be insulated from abuses. It gladdens my heart to see Lagos State emulate Singapore with its discipline while I learnt that Rwanda is another great example where laws, technology, and political will converge to create functional urban spaces.

It won’t therefore be a bad idea if that is emulated and embraced too. Of concern to me is the role of the professional stakeholders. Urban planners, architects, surveyors, and environmentalists must reclaim their role as guardians of urban order. Academic institutions should provide cutting-edge research, while professional associations like the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) must advocate stronger policies and accountability. Recalibrating physical planning development in Nigeria is an urgent national project. It requires political will, institutional reforms, technological innovation, and citizen participation.

Without this recalibration, Nigerian cities risk descending into unmanageable chaos marked by slums, traffic paralysis, flooding, heath impairment and infrastructural decay. With it, however, Nigeria can build sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities that support economic growth, environmental balance, and human well-being. The Yoruba proverb says, “Ile la ti n ko eso r’ode”—“charity begins at home.” If Nigeria gets physical planning right, every other dimension of development will find order and direction.

Source: Thenewsnow

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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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This effort aligns with Lagos’ strategy to finance its N2.267 trillion approved budget for 2024.

The ministry, along with other agencies, plays a crucial role in generating revenue for the state’s substantial budget. Stakeholders in the construction sector are expected to face increased financial demands to help meet these revenue targets.

In 2023, the ministry was tasked with generating N134.729 billion but managed to collect N58.968 billion between January and September. The revenue figures for the last quarter of 2023 were not included in the 2024 budget, leaving a gap in the financial report.

READ ALSO: Dangiwa to Beef up Partnership with NITP Towards Sustainable Urban Planning

Breakdown of Revenue Generation:

• Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development: Target of N1.996 billion.
• Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA): Expected to generate N52.5 billion, an increase of N3.5 billion from the 2023 target. LASPPPA collected N21.664 billion in the first nine months of 2023, against a target of N48 billion.
• Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA): Target set at N11.6 billion, higher than the N9.99 billion target in 2023.
• Material Testing Laboratory Services: Target increased to N2.163 billion from N1.6 billion in 2023. The agency collected N165.475 million in the first nine months of 2023.
• Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA): Target of N1 billion.

These revenue targets are part of Lagos State’s broader effort to boost economic growth and ensure sustainable urban development. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, along with its agencies, will be instrumental in achieving these ambitious financial goals.

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