The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has sealed and issued contravention notices to at least 16 residential and commercial buildings in Ikeja and its environs for illegal development in the area.
The illegal developments which led to the state government’s action contravene the Ikeja Model City Plan and the Physical Planning Law in the state.
The General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, who led the enforcement team comprising of the agency’s officials, Nigeria Police Officers and a Special Operations Team from the Governor’s Office, stated that the affected structures are located on Joel Ogunaike, Isaac John and Ladoke Akintola streets in Ikeja GRA among others.
Osinaike emphasised that the exercise was necessary to ensure compliance by the property owners, noting that GRA is supposed to be a structured residential estate and part of the Ikeja Model City plan.
He explained that the buildings have been served all the necessary notices as provided in the regulations.
The LASPPPA boss said, “We have observed over time that there are many illegal developments within Ikeja and this is not good for the environment and the State at large. Government cannot wait and watch the various contraventions to continue”.
Commenting on the development, LASPPPA Ikeja District Officer, Razak Elegbede, said some of the violations included the illegal conversion of residential buildings to commercial by developers or property owners without getting approval.
He said, “What some of them are building or have built is permissible, but they need to get the permits for them. Also, what some are building or have built is not permissible because it contravenes the physical planning law of the State.’’
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) said it has identified and marked 70 noticeably dilapidated and highly distressed buildings within the state, which would be removed to further prevent building collapse that could lead to loss of lives and property.
General Manager of the agency, Gbolahan Oki, said 20 distressed structures were discovered in Lagos Island alone but added that removal of the identified structures would follow due processes, which would include conducting a Non Destructive Test (NDT) to verify if they were fit for human habitation or needed to have some renovation works on them.
He warned building developers and owners to always involve LASBCA in their construction project, by seeking authorisation to commence building, after obtaining all necessary permits. They should also invite LASBCA at every stage and finally, should obtain Certificates of Completion and fit for habitation, once the construction is fully completed.
