The Lagos State Government has warned property owners that buildings constructed without planning permits risk demolition.
Officials say the state is facing a serious gap between its permit approvals and the number of structures being developed.
At a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, disclosed that only 12,000 permits were approved in 2024.
He explained this falls far below the estimated 40,000 to 45,000 permits needed annually to match the city’s rapid population growth and urban expansion.
Oluyinka stressed that the government cannot ignore the risks of unapproved buildings.
He warned that any structure erected without a permit may be marked for demolition.
According to him, the lack of compliance not only breaks the law but also threatens safety and disrupts urban planning.
The commissioner revealed that the ministry has launched a week-long stakeholder engagement to bridge the knowledge gap and raise awareness.
The programme, which began earlier in the week and ends Friday, September 26, 2025, involves professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyors, builders, and estate developers.
Oluyinka admitted that many residents, especially in rural areas and markets, remain unaware of the legal requirement for planning permits. He likened the importance of a permit to that of a birth certificate, saying:
“Just as every child receives a birth certificate, every building must have a planning permit for recognition, documentation, and future development planning.”
He explained that permits are vital for infrastructure development, property documentation, and collateral for bank loans.
Without proper approval, properties risk being excluded from future government projects such as road expansions and infrastructure upgrades.
The Lagos government is also targeting schools to instill the value of planning compliance in young people. “We are taking this message to the grassroots, starting with school children, who are the future leaders,” Oluyinka said.
He emphasized that while sensitization would continue, strict enforcement and demolitions remain possible for defaulters
The warning comes amid growing concern about frequent building collapses in Lagos. Earlier this week, a two-storey building collapsed in the state, sparking panic and renewing calls for tighter compliance with safety regulations.
With Lagos pushing forward on its urban renewal plans, the government insists that compliance with planning laws is non-negotiable.
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