By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie
The Lagos State Government has urged property owners and developers in Lekki, Ajah and Eti-Osa environs to comply with the Masterplan of the area or face statutory enforcement.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako in Lekki on Thursday at a Stakeholders’ meeting with property owners and developers in the Lekki axis on seamless processing of Planning Permit.
He stated that owners and developers of properties in the area must ensure voluntary compliance to the Master Plan for that location.
He explained that it was by doing so that the sanctity of the Revised Ikoyi/Victoria Island Model City Plan and LEKKI Comprehensive Master Plan could be guaranteed, being the Operative Development Plan covering the area.
“Consequently, you are to please note that the Approval Orders of the Plans, as applicable, remain the only valid references for any developmental activity that can be carried out in this area until another review is conducted” he said.
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He warned that the act of deliberate contravention of the Approval Order, extant Law and Regulations must stop as the Ministry would not allow the ugly trend of haphazard and illegal development to continue unabated.
Salako called for the cessation of illegal dealings concerning the authorization and documentation of buildings, the related sanction of which include demolition and prosecution.
The Commissioner reiterated that the observed underhand deals in respect of building construction include non-adherence to Planning Permit; deliberate falsehood in the Design Drawings and construction of buildings after submission, prior to grant of Planning Permit and the mandatory Stage Certification.
“Others are falsification of documents such as Mandatory Statutory Clearances, payment receipts and LIRS Tax Clearance as well as
Fake Approvals in connivance with third parties, some of whom are staff of the Ministry who are illegally engaged to provide ‘Administrative Protection’ instead of dealing with us directly through our formal channels,” he said.
He emphasised that the mentioned sharp practices among others were criminal offences liable for prosecution.
He enjoined them to endeavor to comply with all statutory requirements for the construction of their building, including obtaining Planning Permit from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and Stage Certification from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
He advised property owners and developers to apply for Planning Permit from the LASPPPA District Office within the jurisdiction of their proposed development and explore the website.
He said that the Ministry would endeavour to continue in the stride to accelerate and intensify continuous public enlightenment and advocacy for the achievement of the THEMES Agenda.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Ayuba Ganiyu in his remarks added that the role of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development was to ensure adherence to planning and bring about orderliness and sustainability in the built environment.
He urged Stakeholders to always do the needful by embracing the due process.
The Chairman, Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) Mr. Hamzat Subair reiterated that it was part of LIRS mandate to make income tax assessment on applications for Planning Permit, adding that the esseance of taxation was to finance development.
The General Manager, LASPPPA, Funmi Oshifuye, General Manager LASBCA, Biola Kosegbe and General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA) Ajibike Shomade took turns to make presentations on the processes of their respective agencies.
Stakeholders raised questions and obtained answers generally on issues of taxation and the process of obtaining Planning Permit.
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