The Ogun State Government has announced a strict crackdown on property owners who have encroached on road setbacks along major roads and highways, with plans to demolish unauthorized structures and prosecute the owners. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl Tunji Odunlami, during a press conference in Abeokuta.
Government's Stance on Illegal Developments
Odunlami expressed concern over the increasing number of structures built on road setbacks, emphasizing that such developments pose risks to public safety and urban order. He stated that the government would not tolerate trespassers and that violators risk penalties including demolition and prosecution.
Introduction of New Building Code
In a related development, the state government has unveiled new planning regulations and introduced its first building and construction code. Odunlami hailed the approval of the Ogun State Building and Construction Code 2025 as a significant milestone, noting that it is the first instance of a Nigerian state implementing a building code based on the national framework. The new regulations aim to reinforce planning systems and promote organized, safe, and environmentally sustainable development throughout the state.
Background of Reforms
The commissioner explained that these reforms stem from a broader overhaul of the ministry over the past seven years. The ministry was reorganized into three specialized agencies responsible for overseeing physical planning and development. This restructuring was supported by legislation, notably the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2022, along with regulations addressing planning permits, slum renewal, building production management, outdoor infrastructure, and land subdivision.
Odunlami noted that the revised 2025 regulations, alongside the new building code, position Ogun at the forefront of planning reforms, especially as the state responds to rapid urbanization and economic growth.
