LAGOS WARNS AGAINST FAKE PLANNING PERMITS, ILLEGAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
… Seals 15 Buildings Along Ikoyi Axis
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday warned builders and property developers to desist from construction without permits or fake planning documents as it sealed up 15 buildings in Bourdillion, Onikoyi and Banana Island in Ikoyi axis of the State for not having permits issued by the government.
Speaking during the special enforcement operation, involving the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Special Operations Team of the Governor’s Office and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako reiterated that obtaining a Planning Permit from the Lagos State Physical PlanningPermit Authority (LASPPPA) was a necessary pre-condition for commencing building construction in Lagos State.
He added that every Developer must also approach LASBCA for stage certification of their projects to ensure that their buildings are safe, complete and habitable, stressing that anything short of this is illegal and unacceptable.
Dr. Salako expressed grave concern at the attitude of some developers who attempt to cut corners, evade due process and end up procuring fake Planning Permits, emphasising that it is important to stick by the rule and do the needful always.
He said that stiff penalties await anyone found possessing or issuing fake PlanningPermits, maintaining that the State Government would stop at nothing to discourage unapproved and illegal physicaldevelopment in its bid to bring about an orderly, organised and livable physicalenvironment as envisaged in the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of government.
In the same vein, he warned against obstructing officials of the Ministry or Agencies on monitoring or enforcement duties as any untoward act done against these public officials will be met with serious penalties in accordance with the law.
Salako averred that a Developer who tried to obstruct the special enforcement operation in Ikoyi had been arrested and would be made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
Top government officials of the Ministry present during the enforcement exercise billed to continue across the State, included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba; Team Leader, Special Operations Team, Mr. Peter Omotosho; General Manager LASBCA, Engr. Biola Kosegbe and operatives of the Monitoring and Compliance Unit of LASPPPA.
