By Toochi Ejiofor
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
The Lagos State Government has sealed over 20 properties in Ikeja Local Government Area for various physical planning infractions.
The enforcement is part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the state’s physical planning laws, and was carried out by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), led by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Tpl. Olayinka Wasiu, alongside the General Manager, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike.
The affected properties include landed properties, uncompleted buildings, and structures with unauthorised extensions found to be in violation of the Lagos State Physical Planning Law. It was aimed at preventing building collapse, promoting orderly physical development, and ensuring compliance with the state’s planning regulations.
Speaking during the exercise, Wasiu stated that contravention notices had been issued to the affected property owners before the enforcement exercise, outlining the steps required to regularise their developments.
He urged property owners and developers to obtain the necessary planning permits and approvals before commencing any construction or structural alteration, stressing that compliance with planning regulations is essential for sustainable urban development.
Wasiu added that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through LASPPPA, will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement activities across the state to curb illegal developments and preserve the integrity of the built environment.
This enforcement exercise comes amid concerns over building safety in Lagos, where a number of building collapses have been linked to structural defects and violations of planning and building regulations.
Recall that in March, a four-storey building housing Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College in Ogba, collapsed shortly after students and staff were evacuated to safety. Three months later, a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in Alakija, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Wasiu assured that Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting lives and property by enforcing planning standards that support a safe, resilient, and sustainable built environment.
