Lagos seals over 20 buildings for planning violations

The Lagos State Government has sealed more than 20 buildings in Ikeja Local Government Area. This was done over claims of breaking physical planning laws.

The operation was led by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). This is part of the government's plan to stop illegal buildings and ensure everyone follows the planning rules.

The properties affected included land, unfinished buildings, and structures that had unauthorized extensions. This information was shared by the state government on Facebook on Friday.

Olayinka Wasiu, the permanent secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, led the exercise. He was with Kehinde Osinaike, the general manager of LASPPPA, and other directors from the authority.

This action is part of a larger effort by the state government to manage physical development. It aims to protect areas set aside for public infrastructure all over Lagos.

Recently, the government started a documentation exercise for people using setbacks, roadsides, and other informal public spaces. This is under the Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP).

The goal is to identify and document these informal spaces. The government wants to address illegal occupation and unregulated use that interfere with approved plans for development and the urban environment.

During the enforcement exercise on Friday, Mr Wasiu said the action aimed to prevent building collapses. He added that it promotes orderly physical development and ensures compliance with the Lagos State Physical Planning Law.

He stated that the government is committed to protecting lives and property. This is done by enforcing planning laws meant to create a safe and sustainable environment.

Mr Wasiu explained that contravention notices had been given to the property owners. These notices explained what steps they needed to take to regularize their developments before the enforcement action.

He encouraged property owners and developers to get the right planning permits and approvals before starting any construction or making changes to structures.

Mr Wasiu also said the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through LASPPPA, would keep increasing monitoring and enforcement in the state to stop illegal developments.

He assured law-abiding residents that the authority would keep enforcing planning rules. This is to create a neat and legally compliant physical environment in Lagos.