Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent a strong warning to property developers building illegally along the state’s coastline.

On Tuesday, the governor, alongside his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State Executive Council, embarked on an unscheduled five-hour inspection tour of riverine communities,s including Ibeshe, Kare, Inagbe, and Ilashe.

Sanwo-Olu expressed worry over the growing number of unregulated and disjointed buildings springing up in these areas, many of which violate safety standards and approved setbacks along the oceanfront.

“We are determined to restore order and sanity to these communities. What we have seen here is massive abuse of planning approvals and blatant disregard for setback regulations,” he said.

The governor announced that the Ministry of Physical Planning and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) would conduct a comprehensive audit of all infractions. The findings, he added, would guide government action, which may include regularising some developments, granting titles, and ensuring locals are not unfairly displaced.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted plans to rejuvenate the communities and unlock their tourism potential, while insisting on sustainable development practices.

During the tour, the governor commissioned a newly constructed 30-megavolt-ampere electricity station in Ilashe, officially handing it over to EKO Disco with instructions to connect nearby communities to the national grid.

He further stressed that Lagos would not fold its arms while developers compromise the safety and future of its coastal communities.

“This is a cautionary message to those who have breached planning regulations. The government will intervene and implement a win-win solution that prioritises safety, order, and sustainable growth,” Sanwo-Olu warned.

With the state’s coastline seen as a key part of Lagos’ future, the governor reassured residents and traditional rulers that his administration is committed to addressing environmental and infrastructural challenges while preserving the area’s long-term value.