The Lagos State Government has announced a strategic alliance with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos Chapter, aimed at reinforcing physical planning procedures and guaranteeing orderly, safe, and sustainable growth throughout the metropolis.
Government Vows Strict Adherence to Planning Standards
During a meeting with delegates from the institute in Lagos, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, reaffirmed the state's dedication to this collaboration. He explained that the government's strategy focuses on proactive physical planning, asserting that successful development control originates from rigorous compliance with authorized layouts, building designs, and professional benchmarks right from the start of any construction project.
Dr. Olumide pointed out that following planning rules is the most reliable defense against building collapses. He connected inferior development results to a range of issues, including:
- Weakened planning standards
- Subpar architectural designs
- Excessive interference from clients
- Undue political influence
- Simple human mistakes
The Commissioner voiced serious worry about projects undertaken without proper physical planning approvals and oversight from qualified experts, stating they present grave dangers to human life, property, and the overall built environment.
Zero Tolerance for Unprofessional Sites
Dr. Olumide issued a firm directive, declaring that any construction site operating without the involvement of registered and competent building professionals should be halted. He emphasized that the ministry will persist in demanding high levels of professionalism and strict planning discipline across all areas of Lagos.
Echoing this sentiment, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, stressed the importance of ongoing public education regarding planning laws and regulations. He confirmed the government's willingness to engage in more profound cooperation with professional associations like the NIOB to improve compliance and enforcement mechanisms. Sotire noted that early obedience to physical planning mandates would drastically cut down on preventable losses and the squandering of resources.
Call for Full Compliance from Developers
Adding his voice to the discussion, the General Manager of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Daisi Oso, underscored the necessity for all property developers to wholeheartedly accept and abide by existing laws throughout their project lifecycles. This unified message from top state officials signals a concerted effort to tackle the root causes of haphazard development and building failures in Nigeria's commercial capital.
The commitment was made on December 22, 2025, marking a significant step in Lagos's ongoing mission to manage its rapid urbanization and ensure the safety and sustainability of its expanding cityscape.
