The Lagos State Government has sealed more than 20 properties in Ikeja Local Government Area over various physical planning violations as part of its ongoing enforcement of urban development regulations.
The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to ensure compliance with the Lagos State Physical Planning Law.
According to a statement released by the state government on Saturday, the operation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Wasiu, alongside the General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, and other senior officials.
The affected properties included vacant plots, unfinished buildings, and structures with unauthorized extensions, all found to be in violation of the state’s physical planning regulations.
Speaking during the exercise, Wasiu explained that the enforcement was intended to prevent avoidable disasters while promoting orderly urban development across the state.
“The enforcement action was a proactive measure aimed at preventing building collapse, promoting orderly physical development and ensuring strict compliance with the Lagos State Physical Planning Law,” the statement quoted him as saying.
He emphasized that the Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting lives and property by ensuring that all developments comply with approved planning standards.
“The state government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property by enforcing planning regulations that guarantee a safe, resilient and sustainable built environment across Lagos State,” the statement added.
Wasiu noted that the enforcement did not come without prior notice, explaining that owners of the affected properties had earlier been served contravention notices outlining the steps required to regularize their developments before sanctions were imposed.
“Contravention notices had been served on the affected property owners, clearly outlining the necessary steps required to regularise their developments before the enforcement exercise became inevitable,” he stated.
He urged property owners, developers, and investors to always obtain the necessary planning approvals before commencing construction or carrying out structural modifications on existing buildings.
According to the permanent secretary, adherence to planning regulations is critical to achieving sustainable urban growth and ensuring public safety.
“Compliance with planning regulations is essential to achieving sustainable urban development,” the statement noted.
Wasiu further disclosed that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through LASPPPA, would continue monitoring developments across the state and intensify enforcement against illegal structures.
“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,” the statement read.
He assured residents who comply with the law that the authority remains committed to maintaining an orderly, aesthetically appealing, and legally compliant environment that aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision of building a safe, modern, and sustainable megacity.
