The Lagos State Government has announced plans to seal 176 residential estates across the state for failing to comply with official planning and approval laws. The warning came from the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, during the ministry’s first quarterly stakeholders’ meeting.
According to the Commissioner, these estates were given several opportunities to regularise their documents under various “amnesty windows,” but many developers failed to take advantage of the grace periods. With the deadline now expired, the government says it has no choice but to take action.
“With the expiration of this grace period, the government has no choice but to seal these illegal estates,” Olumide said.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly stressed that it is illegal to begin estate development or construction without the necessary approvals. These requirements are not only legal obligations but are also aimed at ensuring safe, organised, and sustainable urban development.
To get proper approval for estate development in Lagos, developers must submit several important documents. These include:
Proof of land ownership, such as a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or a Governor’s Consent if the land has changed hands.
A Tax Clearance Certificate, showing the developer has fulfilled their tax obligations.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which ensures that the development will not negatively affect the environment.
A Planning Permit from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
Developers must also submit architectural, structural, and survey drawings. These documents must be stamped and signed by licensed professionals – a registered architect and a COREN-certified structural engineer. The survey plan must be registered with the state’s land database.
Other documents required include:
A Deed of Assignment (for land transferred from another owner)
Evidence of Land Use Charge payments
Development levy receipts
Proof of tax compliance
Dr. Olumide stated that these requirements are not optional. They are part of the legal framework put in place to protect residents and maintain order in the fast-growing city.
The Commissioner also issued a strong warning to members of the public, especially prospective property buyers, urging them to confirm the approval status of any estate before investing.
“Anyone buying into these unapproved estates is at risk of losing their money. If we seal the estate, it affects everyone, including the buyers,” he said.
Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, has seen rapid expansion of private residential estates, particularly on the outskirts. But many developers skip approval processes to cut costs or avoid government scrutiny. This has led to cases of flooding, building collapse, and disputes over land ownership.
To curb these issues, the government says it will not allow illegal estates to operate, no matter how far construction has gone.
The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development says its goal is not to punish but to enforce laws that promote orderly development. Dr. Olumide added that sealing unapproved estates is necessary to prevent long-term problems that could endanger lives and properties.
He called on all estate developers to comply with the law and regularise their documentation immediately to avoid sanctions. Residents were also advised to report suspicious or unapproved developments in their communities.
“Only estates that meet all approval conditions will be recognised by the state,” the Commissioner concluded.
