The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPA) has commenced its enforcement activities for 2023 as it recently sealed an abandoned filling station near Otedola Jubilee Estate Gate, Omole Phase II, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The General Manager of LASPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, said that the building had been abandoned for a long time and served relevant notices in order to prevent further construction works on the property.
Recall in May 2021, the Lagos State Government announced a ban on the illegal occupation of abandoned buildings and properties under construction across the state, as a way to curb security issues within the state.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, hoodlums were in the habit of occupying these buildings, from where they committed atrocities, dangerous for residents and business owners around.
Officials of the Lagos State Government Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences Unit had also demolished illegal structures around government public schools at Mile 2, along Badagry Expressway and environs.
The exercise which began on Monday 2nd March 2020 witnessed the destruction of shanties, mechanic workshops, shops of petty traders, kiosks and commercial bus garages.This came after a 7-day ultimatum given to affected property and business owners, occupants and sectional heads of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.
Furthermore, the state government is applying stricter regulations for property developers due to increasing cases of collapsed buildings which have claimed many lives.
The 21-storey building on 42 Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State which collapsed on 1 November 2021, killing many people is a case in point. The Lagos State Government began the process for deconstruction of the skyscrapers and other structures within the complex of the 21storey building as a way of preventing similar occurrence in future.
With the latest exercise, Osinaike urged relevant stakeholders to voluntarily comply with the Town Planning Laws adding that there are more benefits than drawbacks. He also advised members of the public to contact the Head Office of LASPPA at Oba Akinjobi Way, Old Secretariat, GRA Ikeja or any of its District Offices closest to them for further enquiries and necessary clarifications.
