80% of Lekki buildings have no approval – LASG reveals

Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, has revealed that an alarming 80 percent of buildings in Ibeju Lekki lack proper approval. In a recent interview with journalists, he shared insights into the rampant disregard for regulatory processes in the area.

Olumide highlighted the critical steps necessary for obtaining approval, starting with understanding the zoning regulations for specific areas. However, he noted that many individuals purchase agricultural land without considering its designated use, leading to unauthorized construction.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of obtaining permits for fencing and layout, which are essential components of the approval process. Despite these requirements, many developers proceed with advertising and selling properties without securing the necessary permits, resulting in a chaotic urban landscape.

Jide Odusolu, CEO of Octo5 Holdings, echoed concerns about the distortion of the Lekki Peninsula’s masterplan following rapid development post-2010. He attributed this deviation to newer estates bypassing established regulations, leading to infrastructure challenges and non-compliance with government requirements.

Femi Oyedele, Managing Director of Fame at Oyster & Co. Nigeria, emphasized the need for coordinated planning to address the chaotic development in Lekki. He advocated for the demolition of estates that obstruct planned roads and highlighted the success of similar initiatives in other cities like Abuja.

Overall, the statements from these stakeholders underscore the pressing need for stricter enforcement of regulatory measures and coordinated urban planning to ensure sustainable development in Lagos State.