On Tuesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State undertook an unexpected five-hour tour of various coastal areas, cautioning property developers against breaching planning rules along the state’s riverbanks.
Accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other members of the State Executive Council, the governor assessed the development conditions in locations such as Ibeshe, Kare, Inagbe, and Ilashe.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu raised alarms about the increasing prevalence of “disjointed buildings” erected in violation of established safety norms and approved planning setbacks.
“We are committed to restoring order to these areas. What we have observed signifies a significant violation of planning permissions and a clear disregard for setback laws along the coastline. Numerous developers have pushed their projects beyond authorized boundaries, clearly contravening safety regulations,” the governor remarked.
He revealed that personnel from the Ministry of Physical Planning and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) will conduct a detailed examination of all reported violations. He noted that the results of this investigation would inform the government’s subsequent actions.
“Our approach will encompass how to regularize developments, issue titles, and ensure that local residents are not unjustly displaced. Our goal is to revitalize these areas and harness their tourism potential while ensuring that the government facilitates sustainable opportunities,” Sanwo-Olu emphasized.
During his visit, the governor also evaluated a newly constructed 30-megavolt-ampere electricity station in Ilashe, which was built by the state government. He formally transferred ownership of the facility to EKO Disco, instructing them to connect the surrounding communities to the national electricity grid.
“This entire span of coastal communities signifies an essential future that needs safeguarding. We have engaged with traditional leaders to discuss our intentions and are determined to tackle environmental and infrastructure issues in these regions,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
Delivering a firm warning to non-compliant developers, the governor stated that the government would take necessary corrective measures.
“This serves as a strong warning to those who have flouted planning regulations along the coastline. The government will take action, and we will enforce a mutually beneficial resolution that emphasizes safety, order, and sustainable development,” he asserted.
