The Lagos State Government has announced plans to commence the demolition of illegal buildings in the upscale Banana Island area. This decision follows a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, where Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), outlined the government’s strategy to address violations of building regulations and safety risks posed by unauthorized constructions.
Starting Monday, officials will begin marking buildings that encroach on prohibited areas, particularly those under high-tension power lines and too close to the shoreline. Property owners will be given two weeks to present their documents before the demolition process begins. Oki emphasized that the government’s regulations require buildings to be at least 150 meters from the shoreline, a distance that has been generously reduced to 100 meters. Despite this leniency, some developers have failed to comply, necessitating the government’s intervention.
Dr. Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, reaffirmed the state’s authority over land matters as stipulated by the Land Use Act. He noted that unauthorized land reclamation and sand-filling had disrupted the planned development of Banana Island, prompting the need for strict enforcement of urban planning laws.
The Chairman of the Banana Island Association, Abidemi Sonaike, expressed support for the government’s initiative, highlighting the importance of proper planning and safety compliance. He commended the state government for calling the meeting, viewing it as a positive step toward collaboration and resolution of the issues plaguing the estate.
The Lagos State Government has previously taken similar actions in other parts of the state, including Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri, where illegal buildings under high-tension lines were removed. The government remains committed to ensuring public safety and restoring order in Banana Island, once a prime real estate destination now facing environmental degradation due to unregulated construction.
