Lagos State Government Reveals 75% of Buildings Lack Proper Approvals, Pledges to Tackle Issue

 

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that 75% of buildings in the state were constructed without the required approvals, promising to take concrete steps to address the situation. This was revealed by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, during a news conference in Ikeja on Wednesday.

Dr. Olumide expressed concern over the high number of unauthorized buildings and outlined measures to ensure compliance with existing regulations. The conference also served to announce the upcoming Physical Planning Summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16 at Eko Hotels in Lagos. The summit will bring together key stakeholders from both public and private sectors to discuss solutions for improving the state’s development.

Themed “Thinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity,” the summit aims to address the pressing challenges in physical planning faced by the rapidly growing city.

Olumide pointed out that Lagos' current building approval rate is under 25%, far below the national average of 18-28%, with the highest in the country being 32%. He emphasized the importance of obtaining approval for every building, comparing it to the necessity of every individual having a name.

He also noted that several buildings are marked for demolition, particularly those built without approval, located under high-tension power lines, or obstructing drainage paths and gas lines.

“We are committed to confronting these issues directly,” Dr. Olumide said. “The summit will provide a platform for developing practical plans to boost compliance and improve our urban landscape.”

As Lagos continues to expand as a megacity, Olumide underscored the need to rethink urban planning strategies. With 75% of the state's 3,577 square kilometers being water, the commissioner highlighted the strain placed on land and infrastructure by rapid population growth.

“We need effective strategies to manage our land resources wisely,” he added, noting that the summit would shift the state’s approach from grassroots planning to more advanced urban development strategies.

Olumide stressed the importance of engaging with local communities in these plans, citing the Badagry masterplan as an example of successful collaboration. He emphasized the need to consult with residents, such as fishermen, to understand their needs and provide the necessary infrastructure to support them.

Additionally, he noted that the state's plans would extend over a 10 to 20-year timeline and called for shared responsibility between the government and the community in executing these long-term urban development goals.