LASG begins removal of illegal structures as amnesty ends

The Lagos State Building Control Agency has commenced the removal of illegal structures across the state following the expiration of the amnesty period granted by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This was disclosed on the website of the Lagos State Building Control Agency on Monday. The agency said the exercise began in Ogudu GRA, where its officials moved in to enforce compliance with the state’s urban planning regulations, following the expiration of the amnesty period.

The amnesty period was extended to December 31, 2024, to allow property owners to regularise their documents

According to the Permanent Secretary, LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, the enforcement drive aims to restore order to the state’s physical planning landscape and ensure the safety of residents.

He said the Lagos State Government has given ample time for property owners with illegal structures to obtain necessary approvals and comply with the state’s building regulations.

Oki added that several notices had been served before this final enforcement action was taken.

“Unfortunately, some residents have refused to comply, and the agency has no option but to enforce actions to reclaim public spaces and prevent building collapses.

“The enforcement drive is expected to continue in other parts of the state, as the government intensifies efforts to sanitise the built environment to rid the metropolis of unapproved structures, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure the safety of its residents”. Oki enthused.

The agency reiterated its commitment to maintaining a well-structured and safe urban environment in line with Sanwo-Olu’s developmental agenda.

LASBCA further warned property owners and developers across Lagos State to ensure adherence to building regulations to avoid facing similar enforcement actions in other areas of the state.

Responding to questions suggesting that the decision was hasty, the overseeing Permanent Secretary said the exercise followed extensive consultations and warnings to defaulters.

The agency assured that all affected buildings had been duly marked and issued notices months in advance, with clear directives on compliance requirements.

The State Government admonished property owners across Lagos to take necessary steps to regularise their buildings, as the enforcement drive will continue across various parts of the state.

Recall the state had in 2024 extended the provision of amnesty for owners and developers of existing buildings without planning approvals in the state by three months. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this in 2024.

He said, “Considering the high rate of applications since the beginning of the amnesty programme, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the extension of the programme by another three months, starting from August 1, 2024, to the end of October 2024 to allow more people to benefit from it.”

In April, the Lagos State Government announced the provision of an amnesty period of 90 days, beginning from May 2 to July 30, 2024, to allow owners and developers of existing structures to obtain planning permits without payment of statutory penal fees, which erecting buildings without approvals would have attracted.