Authorities in Lagos raze unauthorized buildings in Surulere district

The Lagos State Building Control Agency, or LASBCA, has carried out a partial demolition of unauthorized structures situated behind Barracks Bus Stop in Surulere, as announced by the agency's Director of Public Affairs, Mr Adu Ademuyiwa, in a statement issued on Friday.

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According to LASBCA, this enforcement action was taken following the owners' failure to comply with building regulations, despite receiving repeated statutory notices, which is a contravention of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law and approved building regulations.

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Inspections conducted by the agency revealed that the buildings in question exceeded approved setback limits, encroaching on spaces reserved for safety, accessibility, and proper physical planning, and the developers failed to produce valid statutory approval documents for the developments.

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The agency also noted that the buildings violated the state's building codes and construction regulations, posing significant risks to lives, adjoining property, and the environment, and that the developers had been served with contravention and enforcement notices directing them to stop the illegal constructions.

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Despite receiving several notices and opportunities to regularize the developments, the owners failed to comply, which led to the partial demolition of the offending sections, an action that forms part of LASBCA's statutory mandate to monitor building developments and prevent illegal construction.

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The agency's enforcement actions are aimed at protecting public safety and promoting sustainable urban development, and it has urged property owners, developers, and contractors to obtain the required planning permits and building approvals before commencing construction and to adhere strictly to approved plans.

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LASBCA has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement across the state, warning that anyone disregarding statutory notices and building regulations will face appropriate sanctions, and it has advised Lagos State residents to report illegal developments and distressed buildings in their communities.

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By reporting such incidents, residents can help the agency ensure a safe and well-regulated built environment, which is a key aspect of LASBCA's mission to protect the public and promote sustainable development in the state.