Amanze ChinonyeThe Lagos State Government has declared 176 estate developments in the state illegal, issuing a 21-day ultimatum to developers to obtain proper layout approvals or face demolition and legal enforcement.
The illegal estates are predominantly located in the fast-growing urban corridors of Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe, areas witnessing rapid real estate expansion but plagued by unregulated development practices.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe announcement was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who warned that many of the estates were being marketed and sold to unsuspecting buyers without the required government layout approvals or statutory permits.
“We are alarmed at the rate at which illegal estate developments are springing up, especially in sensitive zones,” Olumide said at a press briefing. “Most of these developments have no planning approval and pose environmental, structural, and infrastructural risks.”
He said the ministry had compiled and published a verified list of the affected estates, now available on official government platforms and in major newspapers. He further urged all developers involved to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to regularize their documents within the next 21 days.
The state government also issued a strong advisory to members of the public, urging them to exercise due diligence before investing in any real estate development. Prospective buyers are encouraged to verify property status directly with the ministry or through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
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“Some developers are parading fake layout plans and defrauding innocent citizens. Please confirm the approval status of any estate or layout before committing funds,” the commissioner warned.
Failure to comply, Olumide stated, would lead to the closure of sales offices, sealing of construction sites, and removal of unauthorized developments, in accordance with state urban planning laws.
The state’s move is expected to cause an initial shake-up in the real estate market, particularly for speculative and informal developments. However, urban analysts note that the crackdown aligns with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, which emphasizes sustainable urban growth, structured land use, and environmental safeguards.
The government said that following the 21-day grace period, a comprehensive enforcement exercise would begin across the affected zones, in collaboration with the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and law enforcement partners.
A full breakdown of the 176 illegal estates is published on the ministry’s official website and in major national dailies.
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