…Says Enforcement Exercise Followed Repeated Notices and Non-Compliance
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has partially removed illegal structures behind Barracks Bus-Stop, Surulere, Lagos, following persistent violations of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, as well as established building regulations.
The enforcement exercise was carried out after extensive monitoring and inspections revealed that the affected structures were erected in contravention of approved building standards. Findings by the Agency showed that the buildings had exceeded the approved setback limits, encroaching on mandatory spaces reserved for safety, accessibility, and proper urban planning.
LASBCA also established that they failed to produce any valid statutory approval documents authorising the development. In addition, the buildings were found to be in clear violation of the State’s building codes and construction regulations, thereby posing potential risks to lives, neighbouring properties, and the environment.
The Agency disclosed that several statutory notices, including contravention and enforcement notices, had previously been served on the developers, directing them to halt the illegal construction and comply with the provisions of the law. Despite these notices and ample opportunities to regularise the development, the owners failed to comply, leaving the Agency with no option but to commence enforcement by partially removing the offending sections of the structures.
LASBCA reiterated that the exercise was carried out in line with its statutory responsibility to monitor building developments, prevent illegal construction, and ensure strict compliance with approved building standards throughout Lagos State.
The Agency emphasised that enforcement actions are undertaken solely in the interest of public safety and sustainable urban development, noting that buildings erected without approvals or in violation of approved setbacks and building codes constitute serious safety hazards and undermine orderly physical planning.
LASBCA therefore urged property owners, developers, and contractors to obtain all necessary planning permits and building approvals before commencing any construction and to strictly adhere to approved plans and relevant building regulations throughout the construction process.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining monitoring and enforcement activities across Lagos State and warned that any individual or developer who continues to disregard statutory notices and building regulations will face appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with the law.
Residents were also encouraged to report illegal developments and distressed buildings within their communities to LASBCA, as the Agency remains committed to ensuring a safe, resilient, and well-regulated built environment for all Lagosians.