Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed that a staggering 80 per cent of buildings in the affluent Lekki area lack government approval. This announcement underscores a significant compliance issue within the rapidly developing Ibeju Lekki-Epe corridor.
Dr. Olumide, addressing the press, highlighted the rampant disregard for due process by property developers and owners who continue to flout zoning regulations and circumvent the approval procedures. The commissioner detailed the multi-layered approval process, which includes obtaining planning information to ascertain zoning designations, followed by fence and layout permits for large expanses of land.
Despite these clear guidelines, it appears that many have proceeded with construction and sales without the necessary sanctions. “Just last Thursday and Friday, my team and I were in the Ibeju Lekki and Epe axis, and the level of non-compliance was evident, with over 80 percent of estates lacking proper approval,” Dr. Olumide stated.
The commissioner’s statement comes amid growing criticism of the Lagos government’s recent demolition of buildings and shanties across the state. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment in Lagos, has defended these actions, stating that the demolished structures contravened the city’s masterplan, lacked approval from relevant agencies, and obstructed drainage channels.
This development poses serious questions about the enforcement of urban planning laws and the future of property investment in one of Nigeria’s most coveted real estate markets. It also serves as a cautionary tale for potential investors, particularly those abroad, about the risks of purchasing property without thorough due diligence.
As the Lagos State Government intensifies its scrutiny of building approvals, the real estate community awaits further developments with bated breath. The implications of this disclosure are far-reaching, potentially affecting property values, investor confidence, and the integrity of urban development in Lagos.
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