The residents warn that proposed access roads to a protected wetland could threaten estate security and worsen flooding, citing previous assurances from Lagos government officials.

Residents of Magodo Phase II in Lagos have urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene over alleged attempts by land speculators and developers to gain access to protected wetlands through their estate.

The Magodo Phase II Residents Association (MRA) raised the alarm in a communiqué issued after a press conference at the Shangisha gate on Monday and signed by its chairman, Niyi Odusi.

The residents alleged that land speculators and developers planned to construct link roads through the estate to reach the undeveloped Magodo wetland.

They warned that the alleged plan could compromise residents’ safety, threaten properties and damage an environmentally sensitive area.

“The estate is currently under threat,” the communiqué stated.

The association also claimed that articulated trucks and heavy-duty equipment were stationed outside the Shangisha gate, allegedly ready to force their way into the estate.

It called on Sanwo-Olu to order the removal of the vehicles and protect the estate’s boundaries.

The allegations have not been independently established in the information provided.

Residents Cite Previous Government Assurances

The association said the latest concerns contradicted earlier assurances from the Lagos State Government about protecting the estate from encroachment.

It recalled a meeting on November 26, 2023, when Oluyinka Olumide, the commissioner for physical planning and urban development, reportedly assured residents that the government would not facilitate access routes through the estate to the undeveloped wetland.

The residents said allowing the proposed development would undermine those assurances and expose the surrounding area to environmental risks.

They also cited previous warnings by Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for the environment and water resources, about the potential consequences of building on the wetland.

According to the association, Wahab warned that flooding linked to development on the wetland could make the Isheri-Oshun flooding disaster look like “child’s play”.

The residents said the commissioner had also assured them that the government would enforce its wetland protection policies.

Wetland Raises Flooding Concerns

The residents further cited remarks attributed to Francisco Abosede, a former commissioner for physical planning and urban development.

According to the association, Abosede said the wetland’s soil was unsuitable for residential construction.

The residents also said the Lagos State Master Plan identifies the wetland as a natural stormwater collection area serving Agidingbi, Ikeja, Ogba and Alausa.

They argued that the wetland helps manage stormwater and reduces the risks of flooding and erosion in surrounding communities.

“If this wetland is compromised, the stormwater from Ikeja, Alausa, and surrounding areas will have nowhere to go, resulting in catastrophic flooding that will submerge Magodo and threaten the state’s seat of power,” the communiqué stated.

The association’s warning centres on the wetland’s reported drainage function and the potential consequences of altering the area.

However, the supplied account does not include an independent environmental assessment confirming the projected impact of the alleged development.

Association Demands Urgent Government Intervention

The MRA said it would not accept actions it believes could endanger residents, properties and the environment.

It urged the Lagos State Government to enforce existing laws, honour previous commitments and act swiftly to secure the Shangisha gate axis.

The association also called for the removal of the heavy-duty vehicles it said were positioned outside the estate.

The next steps will depend on the state government’s response to the residents’ appeal and any official clarification regarding the alleged access-road proposal.

The dispute places renewed attention on the protection of urban wetlands as Lagos faces continuing concerns about drainage, flooding and pressure for property development.

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Residents and commuters along the Agric-Isawo axis of Ikorodu, Lagos State, have received relief following the opening of the inbound section of the AFA Bridge to traffic.

For years, road users in the area had endured flooded roads, difficult bridge crossings and prolonged journeys due to the poor condition of the route.

The opening of the inbound carriageway is expected to ease movement in the area, although construction work is still ongoing on the outbound section.

AFA Bridge Inbound Section Opens

The development followed an inspection of ongoing road and bridge projects by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Olutokunbo Oyenuga, and other technical directors.

Speaking during the inspection, Daramola said the inbound section of the AFA Bridge on Agric-Isawo Road had been opened to motorists.

“It is bye-bye to driving through the floodplain. Construction, however, continues on the outbound section,” he said.

A commuter, Emmanuel Dickson, described the opening as a major relief after years of difficulties navigating the area.

He commended the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying residents could now cross the route without facing the challenges previously associated with the road.

Motorists Warned Over Construction Zone

Oyenuga urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution, noting that the area remained a construction zone.

He advised motorists to obey speed limits and traffic instructions while warning against unauthorised bus stops and passenger loading around the bridge.

Pedestrians were also advised to use designated walkways and stay away from construction areas.

The Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, commended the state government for addressing the challenges faced by residents and road users.

He pledged the council’s support for the proper management and maintenance of the infrastructure.

The Baale of Ajagunro-Owutu, Chief S.O. Orepitan Iwofun, also welcomed the development, saying residents of the Isawo axis had endured significant hardship because of the poor state of the road.

Itowolo Bridge Rehabilitation Underway

The inspection team also visited the ongoing rehabilitation of Itowolo Bridge and reconstruction of the Aruna U-Turn in Ikorodu Local Government Area.

The Baale of Itowolo, Chief Sikiru Kolawole Aregbeshola, said the rehabilitation addressed a longstanding concern in the community.

He expressed appreciation to the state government for responding to repeated appeals for intervention, noting that the project would improve mobility and make transportation safer for residents.

At Mile 12 in Kosofe Local Council, the team inspected the Maidan-Patele Link Bridge and Approach Roads project.

The project involves upgrading the existing pedestrian bridge to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

A resident, Dennis Adeola, said the pedestrian bridge had been unusable for almost four years, forcing residents to rely on canoes, particularly during rainfall.

He said the situation had been especially difficult for elderly residents and had contributed to long queues and delays in the community.

Lagos Government Promises Completion of Projects

Daramola said the projects were part of the Lagos State Government’s wider investment in road and bridge infrastructure across the state.

According to him, the inspection was part of the administration’s routine monitoring of ongoing infrastructure projects.

He assured residents that the projects would be completed on schedule and urged road users to obey traffic signs and avoid construction areas.

Daramola also appealed to residents to protect the infrastructure, stressing that the projects were funded with taxpayers’ money.

He added that the government would work with relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement and sensitise residents on the need to protect public infrastructure.

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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.

The post Lagos Generated N80bn From Building Approval Applications in 2025 – Commissioner appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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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The Lagos State Government has officially phased out manual processing of building permits, mandating a full transition to a digital approval system as part of efforts to modernise urban planning and improve service delivery.

The new platform, known as the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (EPPPS), enables developers, property owners, and stakeholders to apply for and process building permits entirely online without physical contact with government offices.

Officials say the move is designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce human interference, and improve transparency in the state’s physical planning process.

According to the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), the digital system allows users to submit applications from any location, significantly reducing delays traditionally associated with manual documentation and in-person processing. 

The government explained that the reform is a direct response to the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation in Lagos, where outdated paper-based systems have struggled to keep up with increasing development demands.

Why Lagos Is Ending Manual Permits

Authorities noted that the old manual process often created room for inefficiencies, delays, and in some cases, unethical practices.

With the new digital system:

• Applications are processed faster
• Human contact is minimised
• Transparency and accountability are strengthened
• Compliance with building regulations is easier to enforce

The platform is also expected to provide real-time tracking of applications, giving applicants better visibility into the approval process.

Driving Smart Urban Development

The Lagos State Government said the initiative aligns with its broader vision of building a smart, technology-driven megacity.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has previously emphasised that digital transformation in land administration is critical to managing Lagos’ fast-growing population and infrastructure needs.

Experts say the system will also improve data collection and monitoring, enabling authorities to better regulate construction activities and reduce incidents of illegal developments and building collapses.

The digital platform is further expected to support environmental compliance and ensure that all developments meet approved planning standards.

Implications for Developers and Property Owners

For developers, the shift means adapting to a fully digital workflow, including:

• Online submission of building plans
• Digital documentation and verification
• Remote processing and approvals

Urban planning stakeholders believe the reform will ultimately reduce project delays and costs associated with prolonged approval timelines.

However, authorities have warned that strict enforcement will follow, stressing that any construction without proper digital approval will attract penalties, including possible demolition.

Part of Broader Reform Agenda

The introduction of the EPPPS is part of a broader reform to sanitise the construction sector and ensure safer building practices across Lagos.

The government has repeatedly raised concerns over unregulated developments, noting that failure to obtain proper permits remains a major contributor to structural failures.

By digitising the system, officials say Lagos is positioning itself as a leader in tech-driven governance and urban management in Africa.

The post Lagos Bans Manual Building Permits, Moves Fully Digital to Boost Transparency appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling building collapse by strengthening regulatory enforcement and construction standards across the state.

This renewed stance forms part of a broader zero-tolerance policy aimed at safeguarding lives and property amid rising concerns over structural failures.

Stricter enforcement of construction standards

Speaking at a management retreat of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency in Epe, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, said the government would intensify enforcement of quality standards in building construction.

Agoro, who was represented by Abdulrafiu Fashola, described the initiative as critical to the safety and economic stability of Lagos, noting that the state’s rapid urbanisation requires stricter compliance with approved building standards. 

He emphasised that the integrity of any structure depends heavily on the quality of materials and adherence to proper construction processes.

Zero-tolerance policy on building collapse

According to the government, the zero-tolerance policy is not just a regulatory framework but a commitment to residents to ensure safer buildings.

Agoro stressed that enforcement must go beyond documentation and be actively implemented at construction sites.

He also warned that contractors who compromise standards would face strict consequences, as the state seeks to eliminate the use of substandard materials such as weak concrete and poor-quality reinforcement rods. 

Role of LSMTL in enforcement

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency has been identified as a key driver of the enforcement process.

The agency is responsible for testing construction materials and ensuring compliance with safety standards across building projects.

Its General Manager, Olayinka Abdul, described the anti-collapse policy as a “survival imperative,” noting that repeated building failures have led to loss of lives, investments and public confidence.

She revealed that the agency is undergoing reforms to become a more proactive and globally compliant regulatory body, including adopting international laboratory standards and expanding its operational capacity. 

Measures to strengthen monitoring

As part of its enforcement strategy, the agency has expanded laboratory infrastructure, established additional sample collection centres and deployed mobile compliance units to monitor construction activities more effectively.

Officials said these measures are aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays in testing and ensuring that building projects meet required standards before completion.

There were also calls for stronger legal backing to punish offenders and improve accountability within the construction sector.

Call for collaboration and accountability

Stakeholders at the retreat emphasised the need for collaboration among government agencies, construction professionals and developers to address the root causes of building collapse.

They noted that sustained training, modern equipment and strict supervision are essential to achieving long-term results.

The government reiterated that continuous monitoring and enforcement would remain central to its strategy to prevent future incidents.

The post Lagos Govt Intensifies War Against Building Collapse appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for deeper collaboration between the government and the private sector to address the state’s growing housing deficit.

The governor said affordable and sustainable housing delivery cannot be achieved by government efforts alone, stressing the need for partnerships with private developers, investors, and financial institutions.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday at the Sixth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference held on Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency (LASRERA).

He said his administration remains committed to building an inclusive housing sector but noted that meaningful progress depends on leveraging private capital, innovation, and structured financing models.

According to the governor, housing plays a critical role in human dignity, economic productivity, and social stability, adding that affordability must reflect the real income levels of residents.

Sanwo-Olu said the government’s role is to serve as an enabler, regulator, and strategic partner, rather than the sole provider of housing.

He added that sustainable urban development requires coordinated planning that integrates infrastructure, housing, and access to workplaces.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the state’s housing and infrastructure initiatives have positioned Lagos as a model megacity in Africa.

He noted that regulatory agencies play a crucial role in ensuring innovation in the real estate sector does not compromise safety, transparency, or compliance.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, said the conference provided a platform for government and private stakeholders to jointly tackle housing challenges in a rapidly growing city.

She disclosed that the state government is reviewing a new tenancy bill at the Lagos State House of Assembly to clarify the roles of real estate practitioners and improve property transaction processes.

Stakeholders at the conference discussed innovative financing options, infrastructure investment, and global best practices aimed at meeting Lagos’ housing needs.

A recent Lagos housing market report indicates that the state faces a housing deficit of over 3.3 million units, including hundreds of thousands of homes classified as unsafe or lacking basic services.

The post Sanwo-Olu Calls for Stronger Private Sector Partnerships to Close Lagos Housing Gap appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Widespread anger has trailed a new round of Lagos demolitions after the state government pulled down more buildings across Oworonshoki, Lekki, and parts of Lagos Island.

Residents, civil society groups, and industry experts say the action punishes ordinary citizens while overlooking failures in government supervision.

Fresh wave of demolitions sparks outrage

The latest demolitions began around November 24, 2025, in the Coker axis of Oworonshoki. The same day, several structures on Lagos Island were also demolished. In Lekki, at the Ikota River Right of Way, 17 buildings were pulled down earlier in October for alleged encroachment.

For many residents, the pattern shows that regulatory agencies did not monitor construction early enough to prevent these losses.

Experts blame poor oversight and weak enforcement

Concerns intensified after the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) issued a communiqué at a building sector conference in Abuja. The agency warned that poor compliance and weak supervision across construction sites continue to endanger lives.

Construction expert Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke said sustainable building practices require strict adherence to codes and guidelines. According to him, ignoring these rules has contributed to collapses, deaths, and massive financial losses.

Humanitarian concerns rise as families lose homes

The human cost of the demolition exercise has been devastating.
Gospel artist Testimony Jaga, speaking after a demolition along AIT Road and the Powerline axis, said many families now sleep outside with no shelter or food.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had claimed the structures encroached on high-tension powerline corridors.

Several residents shared their painful stories:

• Mrs. Adebimpe Oduro, a widow, lost her only means of livelihood.
• Mrs. Shola Ikotun and Mrs. Bisoye Lawal said their shops were vital to supporting their families.
• 64-year-old Mrs. Olabisi Osho fainted during the demolition of her home and suffered a head injury.
• 66-year-old Aina Adejare said she now sleeps on bare ground after losing her marital home of over 30 years.

Residents accuse the government of neglecting their welfare while properties cleared for public infrastructure are allegedly being converted into private developments.

Allegations of land repurposing spark further anger

Testimony Jaga alleged that areas initially designated for a BRT depot and a Mechanic Village are now being redeveloped into malls and private shops. He described the situation as “a humanitarian crisis,” insisting that the government must provide compensation, especially for widows and elderly residents.

Call for more humane urban planning

Urban analysts warn that Lagos cannot enforce planning regulations without addressing the needs of vulnerable residents. They argue that demolition should be a last resort, and only after proper notice, monitoring, and relocation plans.

Residents say they are not opposed to urban development but want transparency, accountability, and humane implementation.

The post Lagos Residents Cry Out as Fresh Demolitions Hit Oworonshoki, Lekki appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has announced a new policy making insurance compulsory for all commercial buildings above two floors, as part of its drive to enhance safety, transparency, and investor confidence in the real estate sector.

The announcement came during the 2025 Real Estate Discussions and Awards (REDA) in Lagos, where officials outlined new reforms designed to modernise land administration and urban development through technology.

According to Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on Enterprise Geographic Information System (E-GIS) and Urban Development, Lagos has completed a comprehensive digital mapping to support the rollout of the E-GIS platform. The system will enable instant land searches, online applications, digital certification, and real-time verification of ownership and approvals.

Dr. Babatunde added that the state will begin land and building regularisation with a pilot project in Epe, alongside a new electronic permit system that allows compliant applicants to secure approvals in under 10 minutes. He cautioned developers against forged surveys, double allocations, and illegal constructions, warning that penalties would apply after a planned physical planning audit.

He reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to expanding land access through urban regeneration projects such as Katangua redevelopment, Okobaba relocation to Agboyi, and several site-and-service schemes designed to promote lawful and sustainable land use. He also disclosed plans to harmonise multiple land title systems – from Queen’s Titles to Federal and State Titles – into one transparent framework.

Supporting the initiative, Olumide Sotire, Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical and Urban Development, stressed the need for strict adherence to planning laws as Lagos grapples with rapid urbanisation. He cited major projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, and Lagos Rail System as new economic corridors driving sustainable growth and investment across the state.

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The Lagos State Government has begun paying compensation to residents affected by the Oworonshoki urban regeneration project in Kosofe.

LASURA Director-General, Oladimeji Animashaun, said 80 residents have received cheques ranging from ₦3 million to ₦5 million, depending on property type.

He stressed that the area was marked for regeneration over five years ago and that due process was followed.

Assembly member Okanlawon Sanni described the payments as proof of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s compassion and commitment to humane urban renewal.

Some beneficiaries thanked the government, saying the gesture eased their losses.

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