The Lagos State Government has sealed over 20 properties in Ikeja Local Government Area over violations of physical planning regulations.
The Punch reported that the enforcement operation was carried out by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the state’s physical planning laws.
According to a statement issued by the state government on Saturday, the exercise was led by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Wasiu, alongside the General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, and other senior officials.
The affected properties comprised vacant plots, uncompleted buildings and structures with unauthorised extensions, all found to have breached the provisions of the Lagos State Physical Planning Law.
Addressing journalists during the exercise, Wasiu described the operation as a preventive step.
“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 read.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to protect lives and property through strict enforcement of planning regulations.
“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 disclosed that owners of the affected properties had received prior notices before the enforcement exercise commenced.
“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,” the statement said.
He also advised property owners and developers to secure the necessary planning permits and approvals before commencing any construction or making structural modifications.
“Compliance with planning regulations is essential to achieving sustainable urban development,” the statement noted.
The permanent secretary further stated that the authority would sustain its monitoring and enforcement activities across the state.
“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 would remain committed to maintaining an organised and legally compliant physical environment.
“The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring an orderly, aesthetically pleasing and legally compliant physical environment that supports the Lagos State Government’s vision of a safe, modern and sustainable megacity,” the statement added.
