The Lagos State Government has sealed more than 20 properties in Ikeja Local Government Area for various physical planning infractions.

The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority carried out the exercise as part of efforts to enforce compliance with the state’s planning laws.

According to a statement by the Lagos State Government on Saturday, the enforcement was led by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Wasiu, alongside the General Manager of the authority, Kehinde Osinaike, and other directors.

The affected properties included landed properties, uncompleted buildings and structures with unauthorised extensions, all found to be in contravention of the Lagos State Physical Planning Law.

Speaking during the exercise, Wasiu said in the statement that the action was a proactive measure.

“The enforcement action was a proactive measure aimed at preventing building collapse, promoting orderly physical development and ensuring strict compliance with the Lagos State Physical Planning Law,” the statement read.

He said the state government was committed to protecting lives and property through enforcement of the law.

“The state government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property by enforcing planning regulations that guarantee a safe, resilient and sustainable built environment across Lagos State,” the statement added.

The permanent secretary disclosed that the affected property owners had been notified before the exercise.

“Contravention notices had been served on the affected property owners, clearly outlining the necessary steps required to regularise their developments before the enforcement exercise became inevitable,” the statement said.

He urged property owners and developers to always obtain the appropriate planning permits and approvals before embarking on any development or structural alteration.

“Compliance with planning regulations is essential to achieving sustainable urban development,” the statement noted.

Wasiu said the authority would sustain its enforcement drive across the state.

“The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through LASPPPA, will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement activities across the State to curb illegal developments and preserve the integrity of the built environment,” the statement read.

He assured law-abiding residents of the authority’s commitment to a well-regulated built environment.

“The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring an orderly, aesthetically pleasing and legally compliant physical environment that supports the Lagos State Government’s vision of a safe, modern and sustainable megacity,” the statement added. (Saturday PUNCH)