By Lukman Olabiyi and Faheem Lawal
The Lagos State Government has vowed to take strict action against owners of buildings that are lacking official approval.
The government also revealed that fewer than 25 percent of structures in the state have the necessary permits.
This announcement was made by Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development,Oluyinka Olumide during a press briefing on the upcoming summit titled “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity,” scheduled for October 15-16.
Olumide emphasized that the summit is aimed to outline the ministry’s plans for advancing the state.
“We are committed to addressing the challenges we face and want public input to develop a strategic plan,adding that the goal is to elevate Lagos to the status of a megacity, particularly given its unique geographic features of 3,577 square kilometers of land, with 75 percent consisting of water.
Olumide highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to manage the influx of residents, noting that building approval rates in Lagos are significantly lower than in other states, where approvals range from 18 to 32 percent.
He stressed that all physical infrastructure must be approved and indicated that the state plans to enforce compliance among stakeholders before construction begins.
Buildings identified for demolition include those without permits, structures situated under high-tension wires, and constructions on drainage paths or gas lines.p
The commissioner pointed out specific planning issues, citing the distortion of the Badagry master plan, where land allocated for waste management has been converted to residential use.
He clarified that construction on land designated for committed acquisition is prohibited.
Olumide called for engagement with local communities, particularly in Badagry, to identify their challenges and necessary services.
“We must understand community needs regarding education and development trends to create an inclusive plan,” he said.
He emphasized that both government and community participation are vital for successful execution, with plans extending over the next 10 to 20 years, involving partnerships with international organizations like the World Bank and African Development Bank.