The Lagos State Government has announced plans to mark illegal buildings on Banana Island for demolition starting Monday.
Gbolahan Oki, general manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday. Oki stated that the affected buildings encroach on prohibited areas, violate building codes, and pose safety risks.
“From Monday to Friday next week, officials will come and mark the buildings,” Mr Oki said. “The following week, we will just give you two weeks to get your documents ready. After that, I am going to pull everything down.”
Oki highlighted illegal constructions on Banana Island, including buildings under high-tension power lines and those too close to the shoreline. He emphasised that the structures pose significant safety risks and violate planning regulations.
“The lives of Lagos residents are more important than the value of the property,” Oki declared, adding that LASBCA had undertaken similar enforcement actions in areas like Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri.
The LASBCA GM added that government regulations mandate that buildings must maintain a 150-metre setback from the shoreline, which has been reduced to 100 metres as a concession. Despite this, some developers have failed to comply.
Dr. Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and planning matters, reiterated that the state government, under the Land Use Act, is the sole authority on land matters in Lagos.
He noted that unauthorised sand filling and land reclamation activities on Banana Island had disrupted the state’s master plan, urging residents to cooperate with the government to restore order.
“The government is here to serve you, but we need your cooperation to do so effectively,” Olajide said.
To address complaints about illegal extensions and environmental degradation, the government has established a committee led by Olalekan Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development.
Mr Sodeinde described Banana Island as a former symbol of premium property that is now losing its status due to negative environmental impacts. He said the government’s intervention aims to restore order and prevent further degradation.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Banana Island Association, Abidemi Sonaike, expressed the residents’ willingness to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to resolve the issues.
“This meeting is a positive first step toward finding lasting solutions,” Sonaike said, calling for joint efforts to address the challenges.
