Lagos bans occupation of abandoned buildings

By Dada Jackson

Lagos State Government has prohibited illegal occupation of abandoned buildings and buildings under construction as part of measures to address security challenges in the state.

The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, in a statement, said this move became necessary in view of the security challenges in the nation and the need to curtail the spread of the ugly situation in the state.

“Lagos State Government has observed with dismay the security challenges in the nation at large and clearly understands the danger posed by the likely spread of this ugly situation to our dear state,” he said.

Salako noted that some hoodlums and social miscreants had continued to convert abandoned buildings and building construction sites to their havens and launching pads to perpetrate mischief and pose serious danger to the sanity and sanctity of the state.

The commissioner pointed out that his ministry had resolved to wield the powers vested by Section 73 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 as amended, in order to ensure that all parts of the state remained safe, secure, sanitised and sustainable.

For peace and tranquility of the state, he enjoined members of the public to abide with certain conditions, including the obligation of owners/developers of any uncompleted or existing building to ensure that the property is in proper environmental, safe and sanitation conditions; and that no construction worker must remain within the premises of buildings undergoing construction beyond 6pm daily.

He emphasized that no abandoned building would be allowed for security and safety reasons, warning that property owners  and developers must heed the stated conditions, otherwise defaulting buildings would be sealed off and further actions taken where necessary.

His words: “Owners/developers who fail to comply with the above conditions within 30 days, would have their buildings sealed off and further actions will be taken where necessary.

He assured that government was committed to ensuring livability, safety of lives and properties as well as security in Lagos State.