By Abdullahi lukman
The Lagos State government has taken a decisive step towards enforcing physical planning laws by sealing multiple buildings constructed without the required planning permits on Lagos Island.
The operation, which took place recently, is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal developments and ensure that construction projects comply with established standards for safety, environmental sustainability, and urban order.
Leading the enforcement exercise, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to compelling compliance with planning regulations.
He emphasized that after months of a generous amnesty programme aimed at encouraging property owners to regularize their building permits, it had become necessary for the government to take stronger action against non-compliant developments.
“The amnesty programme provided an opportunity for property owners to regularize their building permits without facing immediate penalties,” the commissioner said, regretting, “Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative while it lasted and proceeded with illegal constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards.”
He said the state government’s goal is to encourage compliance, ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and orderly city for all residents.
The amnesty initiative, which had offered a window for property owners to formalize their construction permits without incurring fines or other punitive measures, was seen as a chance for individuals to rectify past violations.
However, according to the commissioner, many took advantage of the grace period only to continue with their illegal construction activities, making enforcement action unavoidable.
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Dr. Olumide revealed that the current operation is just one part of a larger enforcement campaign that will be extended to other parts of Lagos State.
He warned that unregulated developments pose significant risks not only to the immediate structures but also to the entire built environment.
Among the buildings sealed in the most recent operation were properties located on Okesuna Street, Okepopo Street, Sunmonu Street, Olushi Street, and Isalegangan Street, with additional properties affected in areas like Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun streets.
These buildings were flagged for lacking the required permits for construction and were ordered to cease work immediately.
A key issue highlighted during the enforcement exercise was the alarming rise in illegal construction on narrow plots of land, particularly in areas like Lagos Island.
Dr. Olumide expressed concern about the growing number of developments that lack adequate setbacks, air space, and access to vital infrastructure, which could compromise the safety and livability of the areas.
He ordered the stoppage of construction at 8 Isalegangan Street, citing the narrowness of the land and the inability of the site to accommodate a safe and sustainable development.
The also remind Lagos residents, property owners, and developers of their civic responsibility to ensure that all construction projects are properly approved by the relevant authorities.
He called for greater collaboration between the government and the public to foster a well-planned and safe urban environment.
He encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious building projects, which would allow the authorities to take swift action and address potential planning contraventions before they spiral into larger issues.
