The Lagos State Government has announced plans to commence marking illegal buildings on the prestigious Banana Island for demolition starting Monday, following concerns over safety violations and unauthorised construction.
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The General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mr. Gbolahan Oki, announced this during a stakeholders meeting held Thursday on Banana Island. The targeted structures include buildings constructed under high-tension power lines and those violating shoreline setback requirements.
“From Monday to Friday next week, officials will come and mark the buildings. We will give you two weeks to get your documents ready,” Oki stated. “After that, I am going to pull everything down.”
According to Oki, the decision follows a pattern of illegal construction on the island, particularly concerning structures built dangerously close to high-tension power lines and the shoreline. He emphasised that resident safety takes precedence over property values, citing similar enforcement actions in areas like Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri.
The government’s regulations stipulate that buildings must maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the shoreline, though this was later reduced to 100 meters. “Even with the leniency, some developers have failed to comply,” Oki noted.
Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr Babatunde Olajide, reinforced that the state government holds exclusive authority over land matters within Lagos, as established by the Land Use Act. He highlighted concerns about unauthorised sand filling and land reclamation that have disrupted the area’s master plan.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Mr Olalekan Sodeinde, expressed concern that the once-prestigious estate is losing its premium status due to environmental degradation, prompting the government’s intervention to restore order.
In response to these developments, the chairman of the Banana Island Association, Mr. Abidemi Sonaike, expressed willingness to cooperate with the government and other stakeholders. He welcomed the government’s initiative in organising the stakeholder meeting, describing it as a positive step toward collaborative problem-solving.
The government has established a committee, headed by Mr. Sodeinde, to investigate complaints about illegal extensions in the area. Property owners have been urged to cooperate with the state government to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.
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