3rd July, 2020
The Lagos State Government said it will sanction property owners and developers that break the government’s seals on their properties sealed for breaching various physical planning laws.
Dr Idris Salako, the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, made the assertion at the ongoing Special Enforcement Operations, saying that the state would no longer tolerate such infractions.
Salako, in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Spokesman, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, gave the warning while directing the resealing of a commercial building on Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, for various infractions of the construction code.
He said that some unscrupulous developers were in the habit of breaking the government’s seals to continue construction overnight, thereby putting structures and people’s lives at risk.
“Those who are in the habit of breaking government seals should desist from such acts or face the full wrath of the law,” Salako said.
He advised developers to always secure Planning Permit from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and notify the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), prior to the commencement of any construction works.
The commissioner advised Lagos residents to support the government’s effort to curb the menace of illegal, and unapproved development, as he supervised the sealing of 52 additional unapproved structures in different parts of the state.
“Forty-one of these structures were sealed on Festac Link Road in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.
“The remaining 11 structures were sealed in Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area and Eti-Osa Local Government Area, in locations such as Awolowo Road, Igbo Efon and Ikate Elegushi.
“I urge all Lagos people to be part of the vanguard to checkmate the menace of illegal building construction, by tipping-off the authorities when you discover any illegal development.
“It has been observed that some developers build overnight in order to circumvent procedure,” the commissioner said.
Other team members on the enforcement operation included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr Ganiyu Ayuba; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Foluso Dipe; General Manager, LASBCA, Mrs Biola Kosegbe; operatives of LASPPPA and the Special Operations Team of the Governor’s Office.