The Lagos state government said it had given the owners of the 45 buildings on the Lekki axis encroaching on the canals a three-day ultimatum to remove all illegal constructions or face penalties.
This is contained in a statement Monday by Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, spokesperson for the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
Abdulraheem said LASBCA, chief executive Mr. Gbolahan Oki, led the agency’s enforcement team on Sunday to inspect areas before issuing the ultimatum.
He said that LASBCA has also marked all buildings contravening residential and commercial buildings on the Lekki Axis for illegal extension of development on the reverse side of the canal.
Oki said the buildings were sealed for violating state planning rules, adding that violators have three days to remove all illegal constructions.
“Most of the buildings on this axis have interlocking tiles erected over the canals, which goes against the planning regulations of Lagos State.
“The owners of these structures are expected to build according to the building plan approvals given to them.
“There are adequate setbacks that they should leave, but unfortunately the setbacks have been encroached.
“This is the fundamental fact and everyone knows that setbacks are no-go areas for any form of construction. This is why we are here today, ”he said.
Oki said that when the three-day ultimatum expires and the illegal encroachments are not removed, the state government will take necessary action against the owners of the structures.
The general manager said the setbacks with interlocking tiles are meant to be green zones, pointing out that the app aims to regulate the development of physical planning in the state.
He added that the green land setbacks are specifically set aside to help preserve the ecosystem as part of efforts to achieve the state’s development plans and make the environment organized and livable.
The director-general said the enforcement exercise will continue on buildings, with or without a building permit, in line with building regulations, adding that the exercise also aims to step up efforts to rid the state of illegal and unapproved real estate constructions.
He called on the people of Lagos to always follow the proper procedure in building construction works and obtain building permits from the state government. (NAN)
