Lagos Government Intensifies Demolition of Illegal Structures in Ikate Elegushi and Lekki–Ikoyi Corridors

The Lagos State Government has expanded its enforcement drive against unapproved and unsafe buildings with a new round of demolitions in the Ikate Elegushi community and along the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor, targeting properties that violated planning regulations, encroached on public infrastructure, and posed risks to residents.

During the operation, the Lagos State House of Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to stricter oversight of the state’s rapidly growing built environment.
Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, said the legislature fully supports intensified enforcement, noting that unregulated construction undermines safety in a high-density urban centre such as Lagos.

He explained that widespread non-compliance strains public infrastructure and creates systemic risks, particularly in coastal districts experiencing sustained population and real estate growth.

Urban Development Office Flags Environmental Risks

Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, highlighted the environmental implications of illegal construction, citing blocked drainage systems, erosion pathways, and compromised flood management frameworks.

He added that the Ministry continues to work closely with regulatory agencies to strengthen monitoring systems as part of the state’s broader urban sustainability agenda.

LASBCA Says Property Owners Ignored Repeated Notices

Acting General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Bldr. Gbaye Florence, said the buildings removed in the latest operation had received stop-work orders and demolition notices but failed to comply.

She noted that unapproved structures typically lack sufficient structural assessments, creating significant safety hazards particularly in high-water-table areas like Eti-Osa and Lekki.

Enforcement Extends to Lekki–Ikoyi Axis

Regulatory teams also advanced enforcement along the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor, marking more structures for removal.
Several buildings were found directly beneath high-tension power lines locations the government described as “extremely unsafe” and incompatible with basic development standards.

Officials reiterated that safety risks, environmental violations, and drainage encroachments will continue to receive priority attention.

Government Signals Statewide Zero-Tolerance Approach

Across affected communities, state officials engaged residents and developers on the consequences of circumventing statutory building procedures.
Ogunkelu stated that the House of Assembly will continue backing enforcement agencies and supporting efforts to reclaim public land encroached upon by illegal development and land-grab activities.

The Lagos State Government urged developers to obtain all required approvals before undertaking construction, stressing that ignorance of planning regulations will not be accepted as a defence.

Conclusion

The expanded enforcement action reflects the state’s ongoing strategy to strengthen urban resilience, protect public safety, and ensure adherence to Lagos’ development standards. As development intensifies across the Lekki–Eti-Osa axis, the government signalled that consistent monitoring and strict regulatory compliance remain central to safeguarding the built environment.