News
Sanwo-Olu Decries Attacks On Planning Officials, Seeks Compliance
By Grace Alegba
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged residents to always obtain planning permits before embarking on any development.
Sanwo-Olu also warned that attacks on enforcement officials will no longer be tolerated.
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Sam Egube, the Governor gave the warning on Friday at the 2025 stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) in Oregun Ikeja.
The event, which aimed at sensitising stakeholders and the public on reforms and trending issues in Town Planning and their benefits, has the theme: “Planning Permit: The Rebirth.”
The engagement, with the theme “Planning Permit: The Rebirth”, was aimed at sensitising stakeholders and the public on reforms and emerging issues in town planning.
One of the participating schools in LASPPPA debates
The Governor stressed that planning was central to sustainable development, likening a permit to a birth certificate for every building, a vital document that ensures legitimacy, safety, and adherence to standards.
“Without it, we risk chaos, unsafe structures and communities that lack the necessary infrastructure to thrive,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos is both a national and international gateway, hence the need for orderliness in development in the state in line with global standards.
Another winning school at the event
He commended LASPPPA for its grassroots enlightenment campaigns, including roadshows, debates, and public awareness drives.
He, however, lamented that some estates still lock out officials and residents attack them during lawful enforcement exercises.
He urged stakeholders to resist such acts of lawlessness, saying compliance was key to safeguarding lives, investments, and community standards.
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged residents to avoid cutting corners because the law would eventually catch up with deviants, adding that his administration remained committed to streamlining approval processes.
“This administration will not condone attacks on officials enforcing the laws that make living good for all of us.
“Physical planning is about the future and the Lagos we aspire to pass on to our children,” he said.
The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, said that the level of approved buildings in the state was low, noting that the government wants to correct it.
Mr Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, said that Thursday’s demolition at the Trade Fair Complex was due to illegal structures erected on 300 hectares without approvals.
“We are supposed to know our boundary, one thing at a time,” he said.
Also speaking, the Bajulaiye of Lagos, Chief Ayodele Oyekan, appealed to the residents of the state to support government officials, while urging aggrieved persons to channel their complaints through proper agencies rather than resorting to violence.
“You don’t need to attack the government officials. Please if you want to live in Lagos, abide by the government rules,” he said.
A former Commissioner for Physical Planning in the state, Mr Toyin Ayinde, who delivered a lecture, commended LASPPPA for decentralising operations with 52 district offices, for implementing automating processes, and expanding its social media presence.
He, however, called for a one-stop-shop approach to eliminate overlapping functions among agencies and strengthen sustainable development.
Other speakers, including urban planner Abimbola Onaneye, highlighted the role of traditional institutions in land allocation and urged collaboration
between government and residents. (NAN).
-
Society News5 years agoJamaican man beheads wife after finding out their 6 kids are not his
-
Society News7 years agoEXCLUSIVE: The Complete Story of Dolapo Awosika, John Fashanu and Prophet Kasali Sex Mess
-
News5 years agoPastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, His Membership Of Secret Cult, And Other Issues Touching On His Public Credentials Examined by Barr. PATRICK I. BIOSE
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: Ajimobi’s daughter-in-law blast Gov. Makinde, says gov can’t surpass ex-Oyo gov
-
Society News6 years agoThe Rise and Fall of “Jumoke The Bread Seller”
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: 2 arrested as NAF begins investigations into Tolulope’s death
-
Crime6 years agoExclusive: Female Aide Fingered In Oko Oloyun’s Murder + Banking Transactions That Nailed Husband
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: Police take over Edo House of Assembly as APC, Oshiomhole move to seize control
You must be logged in to post a comment Login