Lagos State Government Reveals Low Building Approval Rates Amid Urban Planning Reforms

By DAYO ADESULU 

• Only 15% of Property Owners Have Building Approvals, Urgent Need for Compliance

The Lagos State Government has unveiled concerning statistics regarding property ownership in the state, revealing that a mere 15% of property owners possess the necessary building approvals. Additionally, only 75% of these owners have adhered to the established physical planning laws. This alarming data highlights the need for reform as the government prepares to review its urban development plans.

• Physical Planning Summit: A Platform for Stakeholder Engagement

At a media briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, alongside Information and Strategy Commissioner, Gbenga Omotoso, announced the forthcoming Physical Planning Summit. Scheduled for October 15 and 16 at Victoria Island, this summit aims to bring together stakeholders from both the private and public sectors to explore innovative solutions for urban planning challenges in Lagos.

The summit, themed “Thinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity,” will focus on collaborative approaches to address pressing issues in physical planning and development.

• Addressing Infrastructure Challenges and Compliance

Dr. Olumide emphasized the pressing need to enhance building approval rates in Lagos, which currently stand at less than 25%. He pointed out that the national average ranges between 18% to 28%, with a peak of 32%. The Commissioner noted, “We have many challenges, and it is imperative to increase these percentages. Every building must secure approval to ensure safety and compliance.”

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify and demolish non-compliant structures, particularly those situated in hazardous locations, such as high-tension power lines and drainages.

• Rethinking Urban Development Strategies

The summit is seen as a critical juncture for rethinking Lagos’s urban strategies. Dr. Olumide stated, “Lagos is a megacity, and we must continue to uphold this status.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by the fixed land area of 3,577 square kilometers, with 75% consisting of water, and the increasing population density.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of adopting a bottom-up approach to urban planning, encouraging local engagement and input from communities, particularly in areas like Badagry, where local needs must be assessed to inform development plans.

• Long-Term Vision and International Collaboration

The Lagos State Government aims to develop a comprehensive master plan with a timeline of 10 to 20 years, involving international partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Commissioner Omotoso reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Lagos into a smart city, focusing on climate change and sustainable urban development.

This summit presents a significant opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and strategize on the future of Lagos, ensuring that the city’s growth aligns with both infrastructure demands and community needs.