Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, issued a stern warning at the 4th Lagos Real Estate Market Place Conference. Represented by the state Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, the governor declared that the government will intensify demolitions of illegal structures across the state until real estate developers comply.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for due diligence in land transactions, stating, “Only lands duly registered at the Lands Bureau with proper documentation and titles should be considered for investments.”
He stressed that adherence to state plans and Environmental Impact Assessments is non-negotiable.
Expressing concern over the influx of migrants, the governor noted, “Lagos is battling with proper planning for thousands of people who migrate into Lagos daily.”
He urged developers to align with the government’s efforts to prevent disasters such as building collapses.
Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, underscored the importance of industry professionals following best practices. She stated, “Adherence to established guidelines and regulations is crucial to ensure the safety and resilience of buildings and infrastructure.”
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Odunuga-Bakare highlighted the real estate sector’s significant contribution, noting a 5.31% boost to the state’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023.
Despite the commitment to enforcing standards, the government faces criticism for its handling of illegal developers. Sanwo-Olu lamented, “It’s disheartening that some illegal developers were carrying out activities to undermine the physical planning of the state.”