Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday carried out an unscheduled five-hour inspection of several coastal communities, warning property developers against flouting planning regulations along the state’s riverine corridors.

Accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State Executive Council, the governor visited Ibeshe, Kare, Inagbe, and Ilashe to review ongoing developments in the areas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu raised concerns about the rising number of “disjointed buildings” erected in violation of safety standards and planning setbacks.

“We are determined to restore order and sanity in these communities. What we saw here reflects massive abuse of planning approvals and disregard for setback rules along the oceanfront. Many developers have pushed their projects beyond approved limits, breaching safety laws,” he stated.

The governor revealed that officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) would conduct a comprehensive audit of identified infractions, which would guide the government’s next steps.

According to him, the state’s actions would cover how to regularise certain developments, grant titles, and ensure locals are not unjustly displaced. He stressed that the administration aims to rejuvenate the communities, unlock their tourism potential, and promote sustainable opportunities.

During the visit, Sanwo-Olu also inspected a newly completed 30-megavolt-ampere electricity station in Ilashe, built by the state government. He formally handed over the facility to EKO Disco with a directive to connect the host communities to the national grid.

“These coastal communities represent an important future that must be protected. We have engaged with traditional rulers to share our plans and are committed to tackling environmental and infrastructural challenges here,” the governor noted.

Issuing a firm warning to errant developers, he added:
“This is a caution to those who have violated planning rules along the coastline. The government will step in, and we will enforce solutions that ensure safety, order, and sustainable development.”