The Lagos State government has affirmed that no estate or association within the state has the legal right to screen architectural drawings or supervise construction activities. These regulatory duties, it emphasized, are strictly reserved for designated government agencies.
This declaration was made by the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide. He reiterated that no estate or association has been granted the authority to undertake such roles.
Olumide explained that the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended) entrusts the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) with the responsibility of regulating construction activities across the state.
He cautioned that any attempt by estates or associations to engage in the screening of building plans or construction supervision would be a violation of the law.
“The State Government has not delegated these responsibilities to any group or estate. Such unauthorized actions, where they exist, must cease immediately,” said Mukaila Sanusi, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, quoting Olumide.
The Commissioner also encouraged residents to report any illegal regulatory activities to the appropriate authorities. He emphasized that the state government is committed to upholding high standards in the built environment and welcomes stakeholder collaboration through whistleblowing initiatives.
However, he clarified that such initiatives should be limited to reporting infractions and do not grant regulatory powers to any entity.
“Taking the law into one’s own hands will not be tolerated, as it can undermine the state’s efforts to achieve a sustainable Lagos,” Olumide added.