The Nation Newspaper

Category: Property

  • Town planners to Sanwo-Olu: create Town Planner-General’s office

    Town planners to Sanwo-Olu: create Town Planner-General’s office

    Town Planners in Lagos has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address the imbalance in governance in the state by creating the office of Town Planner General. They said it’s only proper and equitable and timely too, to create the portfolio in the state just like  the positions of Tutor-General, Auditor-General, Accountant-General, Surveyor-General, etc.

    Having a Town Planner -General should not in any way be an issue especially as the state is migrating to a Smart City they stated.

    In a media chat ahead the hosting of the group’s AGM, state chairman, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners ( NITP), Oladele Akindele  said this  is considered relevant and necessary for the proper coordination of planning activities in the state as well as effective integration of all the Operational Development Plans (ODPs)spread across the state.

     According to him this will proffer a centralized and coordinated solution to the challenges raised at the maiden edition of Physical Planning Summit of the state.

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    He said: “The vision of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners is: “to be in the forefront in the provision and sustenance of a functional environment” while the mission is “to see man as the beneficiary of all developmental activities and to ensure for him, an environment which is livable, healthy, friendly, efficient and economically viable, through ethical, professional, training and practices that is responsive to the needs and societal dynamics.

    “In other words, as one of the professionals in the built environment, our focus is on many elements of the society but two are germane: the people and the environment”.

    While appreciating the governor for employing many young town planners into the public service which he said  shows the level of commitment and seriousness the government has towards the proper development and sustainability of the physical environment not only for the present generation and population which keeps spiraling on daily basis but also for the unborn generation.

    However, the NITP Chairman argued that while  the state has been concerned with climate change issues, through initiatives on Climate Action Plan, Resilience Plan and Sustainability Strategies. Its population, and roles as the manufacturing and commercial hubs of the country have aggravated the risk of climate change impact.

    Notwithstanding, the state’s efforts at combating climate change phenomenon, the results have been minimal, as there seems not to be effective synergy between agencies of governments with responsibilities for all elements of nature – land, water, air, soil and vegetation he stated.

    Oladele lamented that this has led to reduction in the green value of the City and State of Lagos.

    He said: “Rather than promoting green spaces, actors in the environment have been involved more in its degradation. Public open spaces have been taken over by illegal development and vegetation, with negative implication on the aesthetics of many areas in Metropolitan Lagos.”

    He knocked the ministry of Environment for going to building sites and requesting for Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA), which he said is a misnomer as the state

    Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019 (as amended) and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Regulations and the Lagos State Building Control Agency Regulations clearly state all conditions required for the granting of planning permit for all types of buildings and developments in the State.

    Commenting on amnesty on existing buildings without planning permits he said: “It would be recalled that government officials alluded to the fact that prior to the last amnesty program less than 500,000 buildings have planning permits in the State. With the amnesty, additional planning permits were granted. We are of the opinion that the number of existing buildings all over the state which could be termed as “illegal” is still on the high side.

    “While we commend the state government for past efforts in this regard, we would strongly recommend that the amnesty should be reconsidered and reintroduced. The economic benefits to property owners and government cannot be overemphasized”.

    Also, he stated that closely related to the issue of amnesty is the need to take another look at the building plan assessment fees charged. We are of the opinion that more appropriate and ‘people friendly rates will promote better compliance among the general populace.

    In his words If and when there is an orderly,decent living and working environment, which every Lagos resident is entitled to and the government of the day is committed to provide,  the resultant  effect would be felt in the areas of government less spending on health provisions, reduction in medical tourism, slum, urban regeneration and security.

  • How to unlock growth potential in real estate, by Ume-Ezeoke

    How to unlock growth potential in real estate, by Ume-Ezeoke

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Homes and Homes Real Estate Limited, Mr. Ikem Ume-Ezeoke, has called for sweeping reforms in the African real estate sector to unlock its growth potential.

    He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the launch of Property Brokers International Magazine at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    On the theme: “Securing the Future: A New Lens on Africa’s Real Estate Development,” Ume-Ezeoke described Nigeria’s housing market as one of the most vibrant in Africa but weighed down by a deficit of about 22 million units, high construction costs, and weak mortgage systems.

    “Real estate is the closest thing to a guaranteed wealth machine. Our task in Africa is to make this wealth machine accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all,” he said.

    The real estate expert urged policymakers to rethink development strategies, stressing that Africa’s biggest multipliers still lie in land titling, infrastructure, and mortgage deepening.

    Comparing Africa’s experience with the United States, Europe, and Asia, he maintained that the continent must carve out its own model.

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    Ume-Ezeoke pointed to projects such as Tatu City in Kenya, Kigali Innovation City in Rwanda, and Orient Garden City in Nigeria as proof that Africa can deliver modern, integrated developments.

    He recommended measures including wider access to affordable finance, streamlined land acquisition, stronger local production of building materials, and professional standards enforcement. 

    He also canvassed the adoption of digital land registries and faster dispute resolution to ease business processes.

    Going forward, he urged stakeholders to embrace innovation, sustainability, and transparency.

    “Our opportunity is not just to grow, but to grow differently. If we apply global lessons to local realities, build sustainable communities, and embrace innovation, the world will one day look to Africa not just as a market, but as a model,” he said.

    The launch of Property Brokers International Magazine was hailed as a timely platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the sector.

  • Operators seek sustainable environment, others

    Operators seek sustainable environment, others

    Operators in the housing sector have called on stakeholders across the sector’s value chain to adopt sustainable housing models that promote efficient waste management, particularly in rapidly expanding urban centres.  They canvassed urgent action to enable sustainability principles into modern housing and urban development in Nigeria.

    Dean, School of Environment Studies, Yaba College of Technology,   Dr.  Aladeloba  Adesina, who spoke on the sub-theme “Sustainability in Modern Housing and Urban Development” at the 2025 yearly lecture and awards of the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) with: “The Place of Waste Management in Relation to the Lagos State Government’s THEME+ Agenda and the Role of Private Sector Operators”  as theme.

    In his paper he stated that sustainability is central to addressing the dual challenges of housing demand and waste management in rapidly growing urban centers like Lagos.

    He noted that as cities grow, the need for sound regulations and effective waste disposal systems becomes increasingly critical.

    Aladeloba said sustainability measures should enhance occupiers’ well-being, strengthen environmental regulations, and improve land and property registration. He listed the benefits of sustainable housing models to include reduced energy consumption, higher property values, improved quality of life, and better project delivery.

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    He noted that while many regulations already exist, new laws and stronger enforcement are needed across all jurisdictions. He also advocated eco-friendly homes incorporating solar panels, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials such as bamboo and palm wood.

    Highlighting the role of green architecture, he observed that modern house designs in Nigeria increasingly integrate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and eco-conscious interior design trends that reduce environmental impact.

    The Don further urged stronger private sector participation, stressing that the government alone cannot address the sector’s waste challenges. He pointed out that buildings account for about one-third of total greenhouse gas emissions, but those with sustainable features are not only environmentally friendly but also cheaper to maintain.

    “Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs,” he noted, emphasizing environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

    He highlighted the importance of eco-friendly housing solutions such as solar panels, smart home technologies, natural ventilation, and the use of locally sourced or recycled building materials.

    On the issue of waste management, Aladeloba underscored the role of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Private Sector Participants (PSPs), and the informal sector, while also pointing to the challenges faced by private operators like Visionscape and Revive.

    He identified population growth, rising housing demand and poor regulation as critical drivers of waste generation, stressing the urgent need for better policies and innovative solutions.

    He also called attention to opportunities in sustainable housing, including reduced energy consumption, increased property value, and improved quality of life.

    Also, Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Toyin Ayinde, who chaired the event, explained that while developed countries generate more waste, they also recycle as much as 29 per cent compared to Nigeria and other African countries, where rates remain as low as three to six per cent.

    Citing Singapore as a model, Ayinde noted that the country established a construction academy in 2010 to promote zero-waste practices, ensuring that even demolished buildings are fully reused. He urged Nigeria to adopt similar measures.

    “Buildings contribute to one-third of total greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable features not only cut emissions but also reduce long-term maintenance costs,” he said.

    He recommended stronger regulations, better enforcement, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies into waste management and sustainable housing practices.

     “Government alone cannot handle Lagos’ waste. Collaboration with the private sector, communities, and the use of smart innovations is the way forward,” he stressed.

    He concluded with a call to action for policymakers, regulators, developers, and citizens to embrace sustainability as a non-negotiable priority for urban growth, environmental protection, and public wellbeing.

  • How GIS can resolve urbanisation challenge, by expert

    How GIS can resolve urbanisation challenge, by expert

    An expert, Yetunde Adesiyan, has called for the deployment of Geographic Information Science (GIS) in resolving the challenges of urbanisation.

    She said, “Urban Change Detection and Machine Learning Techniques’ can be used to determine suitable sites for building roads for an effective transportation network within the Lagos metropolis.

    “Lagos is the largest urban agglomeration in Nigeria and one of the biggest and fastest-growing megacities in the world, with population estimates ranging from 12 to over 20 million people

    “As one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa and the world in general, it becomes imperative to visualize and analyze the changes and patterns of urbanization over time in this megacity.

    “By understanding urban growth patterns, urban planners can make informed decisions about infrastructure development, such as an effective road network, resource allocation, and environmental impact mitigation within Lagos State.”

    Adesiyan said in a statement that “one of the spatial analysis techniques that can be used in urbanization trend analysis is urban change detection.”

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    She described urban change detection as a process of monitoring and identifying changes within an urban system over time, using technology that compares satellite images of an urban system taken at different times and analyzes how the urban landscape has evolved.

    Justifying the need to determine urban trend analysis, she said: “A sample case of using Urban Change Detection and Machine Learning Techniques to determine suitable sites for building roads for an effective transportation network within the city.

    “With increased urban growth comes increased building footprints, and in turn comes an increase in demand for transportation. The need for an effective road network, in line with urban growth trend analysis, becomes paramount to mitigate environmental impact and ensure improvements in transportation accessibility and connectivity.”

    Adesiyan added, “As traffic volume increases due to urban growth, effective road planning helps distribute traffic, reduce congestion, and improve the overall flow of vehicles.

    “In planning an effective road network, it is imperative to find suitable sites to construct these roads. This will involve analysing road location selection parameters like proximity to settlements and land use zoning.”

  • Lagos gives extension to errant estates

    Lagos gives extension to errant estates

    Normalcy has returned to the real estate sector following the decision of the Lagos State government to review the tagging of 176 estates in the Lekki/Ajah corridor as illegal.

    The restoration of normalcy is coming on the heels of the public outcry that greeted the tagging of the estates as illegal.

    Investigations shown The Nation that business activities were gaining traction by operators in the build environment.

    Recall that the state government had identified 176 estate developments, predominantly located in the Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe axis of the state, giving them a 21-day ultimatum to process their layout approvals.

    The estates, according to the government, were deemed illegal due to their failure to obtain layout approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

    According to the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, the illegal estates comprised the sustainable development ethos and the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government by operating without approved layouts.

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    The identified illegal estates include: Adron Homes, Elerangbe; Aina Gold Estate, Okun-Folu; Diamond Estate, Eputu; Prime Water View Garden, Ikate Elegushi; and Royal View Estate, Ikota, among others.

    The Permanent Secretary had given the owners of these estates 21 days to submit the necessary documents to his office in the Ministry of Planning and Urban Development, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, to process their layout approvals.

    He stated that the  exercise was a routine function of the Ministry, in line with its mandate to regulate the development of public and private estates in Lagos State by processing and granting layout approvals to foster a functional, organised, orderly, and resilient smart city, as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the state government.

    He also emphasised the importance of all developers and real estate practitioners registering with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), which is responsible for regulating, coordinating, and monitoring real estate practitioners in the sector.

     To underscore the need for proper registration of properties and by extension estates, Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa underscoring the lapses in the sector said only about five per cent of lands in the country have titles.

    He dropped the hint that the Federal Government has promised to ensure the titling of lands in the next 10 years lamenting that land with titles is less than  five  per cent while the  outstanding 95 per cent remains locked in informality, inaccessible for investment, and vulnerable to disputes.

     He disclosed this at a stakeholders’ workshop on the Nigeria Land Registration, Documentation and Titling Programme (NLRDTP), in Lagos.

    Responding to the threat of closure of the estates after 21 days for non-conformity,

     The Nation learnt a sizeable majority of the Operators out of the 176 earlier identified for non-compliance had been coming up to regularise and submit their Layouts which was the crux of the matter. The initial deadline elapsed on the 26th of August but has been extended by additional two weeks to enable full compliance.

    Speaking to the Nation, Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi confirmed the two weeks extension with a Caveat that after the two weeks the non-compliant estates will be completely sealed up.

    Supporting government’s position on the estates, Chairman, African Real Estate Society (AfRES) Lagos Chapter, a leading professional organization that promotes excellence in real estate research, education, and practice in Africa, Adediran Adetunji stressed the need for owners of the concerned estates to ensure that the layout of the various estate are produced by the requisite professionals and submitted to the State government.

    According to him, unless that is done the estates will continuously be termed illegal in the eye of the law, he stressed that Real Estate investors want to be assured of the safety of their investment before taking the plunge.

    According to him Operators in the sector should be seen as law-abiding for the safety of their investors and their businesses as well.

    Managing Director, Metro Homes & Castle, Dr. Adekunle also urged on the need for the estate’s promoters to work with the relevant professionals to come up with their lay-outs and submit them to the government. He said without bringing this to a close the estates will continue to be tagged as illegal for failure to do the needful.

    He said: “What government is saying is that they acknowledged that they sold this land to these people, the land needs to be mapped internally by professional Town Planners who are trained to do so. From the mass they will map it out to where the infrastructure will be recreation facilities, school, water treatment plant, waste management, clinic, roads  can’t be done by the rule of the thumb, that’s why you see some estates so haphazard and each estate locked against the other one because nobody is sure of where a particular thing should be.

    “Now, think of drainage systems in a very large estate of say over 2,000 blocks. If there’s no town planning, how do you link your drainage to your state’s waterways?

    “You understand the issue of flooding. So, if the government doesn’t plan, the government will wake up on a particular day and be shocked that your drainage channel is not channelled into the main channel of the State and a huge problem will be created. It’s in the place of the government to ensure that water flows to the right place such as into a river or any other channel constructed. Unfortunately what these developers do is, when they acquire this land, most of them start selling without getting approval and putting their subscribers into a quagmire.”

  • Abuja land allottees to get new C-of-O, pay N5m penalty

    Abuja land allottees to get new C-of-O, pay N5m penalty

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has slammed a N5 million fine on land allottees, who illegally converted residential plots to commercial use on Gana, Gimbiya, Aminu Kano, Ademola Adetokunbo and other selected streets in the city centre.

    The decision was part of recommendations by an Adhoc Committee on the Review of Land Use/Purpose Clauses of Land and Properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities.

    Recall that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had on August 8, 2025, inaugurated an ad-hoc committees on the review of controversies surrounding the River Park Estate, an another committee on the review of Land use/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities.

    Both committees were given two-week within which to review the issues and submit recommendations back to the minister.

    Presenting its report to the minister on Tuesday, the land use committee observed that majority of the structures on Gimbiya Street in Garki, Gana Street in Maitama, and the busy Ademola Adetokumbo Street in Wuse II had been converted to offices, hotels and other businesses without recourse to their original purpose clauses or necessary approval from the FCTA.

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    The committee, chaired by Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, also frowned at illegal extensions, mergers and subdivisions of properties in the affected areas.

    It therefore recommended that the purpose clauses of the affected properties be formally converted to commercial or other compatible uses, subject to the payment of fresh fees.

    With this development, title holders of the land and properties affected by the land use conversion are expected to pay a conversion fee of 7.5percent of the assessed Capital Value of their properties.

    This is in addition to the payment of Statutory Right of Occupancy bills applicable for the new land use/purpose clause charged for the Districts.

    Part of the report reads; “That, allottees/title holders of land and properties affected by the land use change/conversion, pay within thirty (30) days from the date of conveyance of approval, Land Use Conversion fee of 7.5 percent of the assessed Capital Value of the properties as contained in the Schedule/Valuation Report Sheet (VRS) at pages 54-70 and the Valuation Report annexed herein as Annexure E;

    “That, allottees/title holders of the land and properties affected by the land use change/conversion, in addition to payment of Land Use Conversion fee, pay statutory Right of Occupancy bills applicable for the new land use/purpose clause and as charged for the District.”

    The committee warned that where illegal or unapproved extensions, mergers or subdivisions had been established, title holders would in addition pay “extension/merger/subdivision fee of the extant 2.0 percent of the assessed Capital Value of the properties within thirty (30) days from the date of conveyance of approval.”

    Failure to comply, the report stressed, would attract stiff enforcement. “All plot extensions, mergers and/or subdivisions not considered permissible be caused to be reversed to their approved state, failing which enforcement actions (sealing of property, removal of buildings/structures, revocation/withdrawal of titles, etc.) will be applied.”

    In addition, the committee recommended that existing titles in respect of the affected properties be revoked to pave way for the issuance of fresh title documents reflecting the new land use status. It added: “The title documents to be issued to the allottees/holders of the affected land and properties on the selected streets/locations, be for a fresh lease term of ninety-nine (99) years.”

    The committee also called for traffic control, power upgrade and waste management improvements in the affected neighbourhoods, and directed holders of undeveloped plots in the Central Business District and Sector Centres within Phase II to immediately commence development or risk revocation within three months.

    Responding after receiving the report, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, warned that it would no longer be business as usual for those flouting the city’s land use laws.

    He said: “I’m aware that certain areas are designated for residential and others for commercial, but people believe they can do anything without approval, converting residential to commercial, commercial to residential, and all kinds of mixed uses. If you don’t sanction them, it will continue. So if an area is commercial, let it be commercial. If it is mixed use, let it be mixed use. People should understand they can’t continue this way.”

    Wike insisted that sanctions would be strictly enforced, including the withdrawal of titles. “We must let you know that we have to apply the sanction as required, and anybody who does not comply, we have no choice but to revoke the title and withdraw it,” the minister stated.

  • Firm signs Ijebu Rewa as brand ambassador

    Firm signs Ijebu Rewa as brand ambassador

    A real estate firm, Rematech Properties Limited has signed Sijuade Olalekan, a popular media influencer widely known as Ijebu Rewa, as its first brand ambassador.

    The unveiling, which took place in Ijebu, Ogun State, is part of the company’s drive to promote housing opportunities and encourage affordable property ownership among residents, particularly young professionals and families.

    Welcoming guests at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Rematech Properties, Ola Isaac, said the appointment reflects the company’s long-term vision of making housing accessible while supporting sustainable community development.

    “Our goal is not just to sell land or houses, but to create avenues for affordable housing, proper urban planning, and eco-friendly environments where families can thrive.” 

    “By working with Ijebu Rewa, we believe more people will gain awareness on the importance of early investments in property and how it can secure lasting wealth for future generations,” he said. 

    He added that Rematech’s projects go beyond basic shelter.

    “Aside from these benefits, our key features include a serene environment, potable drinking water, proper drainage, central and dedicated electricity, a playground, an excellent road network, and provision of other basic facilities.”

    “Currently, we are offering a variety of property options to individuals and corporate organizations with flexible payment plans to enable everyone to become house owners and investors,” Isaac explained. 

    Isaac also noted that the firm is intentional about planning for a greener future. 

    “We are conscious of the need for eco-friendly housing. Every estate we develop is designed to balance modern living with environmental responsibility, because a sustainable environment is the foundation of a sustainable home,” he added.

    On his part, Mr. Sijuade Olalekan, expressed gratitude for the recognition. 

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    “I feel honoured to be chosen as the company’s first ambassador. This partnership is a chance to encourage our people, especially the youth, to see housing and land ownership as achievable.” 

    “I am excited to use my platform to show that property investment is not only about wealth but also about planning for sustainable and environmentally friendly communities,” he said. 

    He explained that the collaboration would also address the mindset around real estate.

    “We understand that buying real estate is a significant investment and we pride ourselves on catering to all property needs ranging from residential to commercial. Whether you’re a first-time landowner, an investor, or a business owner, we have something for everyone,” he noted.

    Closing his remarks, he urged Nigerians not to delay opportunities in property acquisition. 

    “Like they say, the best time to invest in real estate was 20 years ago, and the second-best time is now. With proper planning, anyone can begin the journey of property ownership,” he added.

  • Developer strategises for modern lasting construction

    Developer strategises for modern lasting construction

    The business development manager, NESVIXION, Nneka Claire Akwarandu has assured that as developers, they are doing everything humanly possible to ensure high quality in addition to best materials are used for all the construction work handled by NESVIXION. 

    Akwarandu gave this assurance while speaking to reporters in Abuja, stating that as developers a lot is being taken into consideration, like the inconveniences of noise pollution, stable and healthy environment, in-house security apparatus and others. 

    According to her: “Every material used from the beginning to the finishing of all NESVIXION construction is quality, this is to also make sure residents dont encounter unnecessary accidents in the building as safety of residents is top priority”.

    She added that the form is committed to giving high standard of living befitting the statues of the residential. As a firm with thoughts of quality, we are integrating sound proofing techniques into the building projects, instead of leaving home owners to retrofil on their own. 

    Akwarandu assured that these homes are not just aesthetical, they are complete luxury, “getting a home with NESVIXION is living your dream as a home owner”. She advised Nigerians to go for the best and the firm gives the best. 

  • Surveyors urge government to prioritise surveying for economic growth

    Surveyors urge government to prioritise surveying for economic growth

    Surveyors have called on the federal and state governments to prioritise surveying in the building and construction industry as a means of driving growth and ensuring sustainability in Nigeria’s economy.

    They noted that reliable survey plans, spatial data, and land information provided by professional surveyors are vital to land transactions, safeguarding property rights, resolving land-related conflicts, preventing demolitions, fostering efficient infrastructure development, and promoting sustainable urban planning—all of which attract investment and create jobs.

    President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Surv. Pius Eze, gave the charge at the 2025 Sanyaolu Memorial Annual Lecture, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

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    The theme of the lecture was “The Legal, Technical, and Fiscal Considerations for a Successful Systematic Land Titling and Registration Programme.”

    Eze stressed the importance of allowing professional surveyors to produce plans that serve as the foundation for projects in the building industry.

    “The theme is very timely, and it is what will help the economy of Nigeria by placing the right thing in the right place,” he said, emphasising that surveying is one of the bedrocks of meaningful and sustainable development.

    He also addressed the issue of disputes arising from survey plans, calling for a system that ensures only qualified and registered surveyors are engaged in the process.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the NIS Ogun State Branch, Surv. Abiodun Olufemi, described the annual lecture as a testament to the Institution’s commitment to advancing the profession of surveying and promoting excellence in land management.

  • ‘Layout important for estate development’

    ‘Layout important for estate development’

    The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide has emphasised the significance of layout plans for estate developments in Lagos State.

    Speaking during a live chat on a  Radio programme, Dr. Olumide explained that a layout plan was a crucial requirement for all land developments spanning 10,000 square metres or more.

    He said that a layout plan served several purposes, including designating different land uses and allocating them to suitable areas, planning utility needs, such as power, water, and waste disposal as well as designing drainage networks to prevent flooding and creating road networks to ensure effective connectivity within the estate.

    Dr. Olumide said that some developers exploit the housing shortage by flouting regulations, comprising communities’ well-being and the State’s vision of a livable, organised, and sustainable physical environment.

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    He commended developers who have responded to the ministry’s call to regularise their status,  particularly those listed among the 176 estates without layout approvals.

    On the amnesty programme for existing buildings without planning permits, Dr.  Olumide offered hope to Lagosians, stating that the programme might be reintroduced soon. “Due to the success of the Amnesty Programme introduced last year with the gracious approval of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we are strongly considering reintroducing the Programme for another three months”, he said.

    The Commissioner emphasised the importance of adhering to planning regulations to ensure sustainable and well-planned developments in Lagos State, highlighting the government’s role in the built sector.