The Lagos State government emphasises the significance of obtaining planning permits and adhering to approved construction plans to ensure environmental sustainability and national security. Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, made these remarks during a routine inspection of the built environment in the Lekki/Ajah corridor.
Olumide advised property owners and developers to secure planning permits and strictly adhere to approved construction plans to avoid the risk of demolition. He expressed concern about the widespread violation of physical planning laws throughout the state and stressed that enforcement would spare no one, ensuring a livable and sustainable built environment.
During the inspection, Olumide ordered the sealing and partial removal of non-compliant structures in various locations within the corridor. He also issued a warning to the owners of structures located under powerlines, instructing them to vacate within two weeks.
The Commissioner assessed the clearance of structures along drainage alignments in Ikota Villa Estate by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. He reiterated that compliance with planning permits is crucial for environmental sustainability and national security.
Olumide emphasised that anyone found constructing buildings without proper approval could face prosecution for violating the law, in addition to the removal of their structures.
Accompanying the Commissioner on this trip were Mr. Oluwole Sotire, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, the General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
