Lagos Intensifies Urban Renewal, Flags Over 27,000 Building Violations

 

Photo L-R: General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Dr. Animashaun Oladimeji; Permanent Secretary, Office of E-GIS and Urban Development, Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji Adesanya; Special Adviser to the Governor, E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, during the 2026 annual ministerial press briefing as part of activities marking the Third Year of the 2^nd Term in Office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.

Lagos residents in several communities across the state are set to witness fresh urban renewal projects as the Lagos State Government unveiled a list of regeneration scheme areas aimed at improving physical planning, infrastructure, and land administration.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State, Office of E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to make Lagos more resilient, better organised, and economically competitive amid rapid population growth and urban expansion.

Speaking on Thursday during the ongoing State government’s 2026 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing marking the third year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser identified communities currently undergoing or proposed for regeneration across different parts of the state.

The areas include Oworonshoki, Obalende, and Otumara, as well as Katangowa in Agbado/Oke Odo LCDA, Lakowe Phase II in Ibeju-Lekki, Adeniji Adele Estate, and Isale Gangan Phases I and II in Lagos Island.

Other locations listed for regeneration are Alaba Rago in Iba LCDA; Iya Ojo, Adejiyan, and Ayenero streets in Ifelodun LCDA; Ibeju Agbe, Alakun Elepete, and Okegun Elekun in Ibeju-Lekki; Sikiru Musa and Lanre Odubote streets in Epe; Aminat Borge in Alimosho; Ibadan Street in Lagos Mainland; and Ariyo in Bariga.

Although timelines were not provided for the projects, urban regeneration schemes in Lagos are typically designed to address challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate drainage, unplanned settlements, traffic congestion, and environmental deterioration.

Dr. Babatunde said the state was also strengthening planning systems, improving spatial data management, and promoting efficient land administration to support sustainable urban growth.

As part of efforts to reorganise industrial activities within the city, the Special Adviser detailed the Agbowa-Owu-Ikosi Timberville facility in Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, Epe, where Oko-Baba sawmill operators were successfully relocated from the Ebute Metta waterfront.

According to him, the new timber facility is being expanded with additional infrastructure, including a health centre, police post, fire service station, drainage systems, perimeter fencing, and more public toilet facilities to improve safety and working conditions for operators.

In the area of building regulation, he disclosed that the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, between May 2023 to April 2026 discovered 27,233 building violations involving developers and property owners across the state, while 4,711 developers obtained ‘Authorization to Commence Construction’ on approved projects.

The Special Adviser also said it was intensifying revenue recovery and asset management efforts through the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) using electronic documentation systems, rent recovery campaigns, and the recovery of suspected government properties.

Dr. Babatunde reaffirmed the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to reforms and collaboration aimed at ensuring sustainable and resilient urban transformation across Lagos State.