Lagos seals over 45 buildings over planning violations

The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority has sealed over 45 buildings in two districts for alleged violations of planning regulations. Enforcement operations took place in Ifako-Ijaiye on Wednesday and Eko District on Thursday. The authority's Monitoring and Compliance Unit issued statements explaining the reasons for the closures.

In Ifako-Ijaiye, 25 properties were sealed due to various infractions, including operating without a valid planning permit, excessive building density, unauthorized remodeling, deviation from approved plans, and construction without proper approval. Five properties were sealed for excessive density, and 10 for deviating from approved building plans.

Another 10 buildings in Eko District were sealed for constructing without obtaining planning approval. Five buildings in the same district faced penalties for remodeling without the necessary permits.

The authority stated that affected property owners and developers had previously received contravention notices but failed to comply with the directives. It urged them to visit their nearest district office or the authority's headquarters in Ikeja to regularize their properties and obtain further guidance.

A source within the agency noted that monitoring and enforcement of physical planning regulations remain ongoing exercises in Lagos. The city's regulations aim to ensure compliance with approved plans, land-use requirements, safety standards, and other development guidelines. The Physical Planning Permit Authority is responsible for processing permits and monitoring compliance across the state.