By John Umeh
The Lagos State Government has moved decisively against property developers flouting urban planning laws, issuing what it describes as a final and non-negotiable ultimatum to all estates operating without approved layout plans.
The warning, delivered by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, was announced through an official statement on the government’s verified X handle on Wednesday.
This latest enforcement action comes after months of repeated notices and an earlier grace period, which many developers ignored.
One-Week Countdown Begins
According to the government, several estate developers have continued selling land, building structures, and marketing properties without securing mandatory approval from the state’s planning authorities — a violation that carries steep consequences.
Dr. Olumide stressed that the one-week extension now offered is the “last opportunity” for erring estates to submit their layout plans for assessment and obtain full regulatory clearance.
After the deadline, he said, the government will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions, which include:
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Demolition of unapproved structures
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Heavy monetary penalties
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Possible blacklisting of defaulting developers
He added that each estate’s punishment will depend on the “scale of violation and level of disregard for the law.”
Homebuyers Strongly Advised: Verify Before You Pay
The Lagos State Government also called on residents — especially prospective homeowners — to conduct due diligence before making payments for land or housing units.
Many unsuspecting buyers, officials warned, often fall victim to fraudulent or irregular developments that later face demolition or litigation.
“Always check the planning status of an estate before committing your money,” the statement noted, emphasizing that proper verification can save buyers from huge financial losses.
Estates Already Under Scrutiny
During recent enforcement tours, the government team visited several flagged locations, including:
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Whiteoak Estate 2
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Elite Garden Estate
Both properties, located behind VGC and promoted by Bosmark Haven Properties, are among the estates accused of operating without valid documentation.
Background: Lagos Previously Declared 176 Estates Illegal
Back in August 2025, the state published a list of 176 estate developments in Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and surrounding districts that lacked approved layout plans.
Developers were initially given 21 days to begin regularising their documents. Many complied — but some refused.
Those defaulters are now the direct targets of this final warning.
Why Layout Approval Matters
According to the Ministry of Physical Planning, layout approval is a critical requirement because it:
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Ensures estates follow the state’s physical development guidelines
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Protects buyers from fraudulent or unsafe developments
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Prevents environmental and land-tenure disputes
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Promotes orderly urban growth across the state
Officials maintained that Lagos cannot achieve a sustainable urban system if developers bypass regulations designed to protect both citizens and the environment.
