The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a stern 30-day ultimatum to owners of buildings illegally converted into churches, mosques, clubhouses, lounges, and bars without the necessary approvals.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, emphasized that this notice is aimed at rectifying the distortion of the state’s masterplan caused by non-compliance with regulatory provisions.
The order applies to structures across the state being used for unauthorized purposes, posing security concerns and violating safety guidelines. The notice comes in response to repeated complaints from citizens about the environmental nuisance caused by the conversion of residential areas into non-conforming establishments.
Oki, while addressing the media, highlighted that the agency had previously identified such illegal structures and issued statutory enforcement notices. However, the owners failed to respond, compelling LASBCA to serve this final notice.
He stressed that the state would not hesitate to remove non-compliant buildings at the owners’ expense if they fail to revert to the original plan within the stipulated 30 days.
The focus of the crackdown is particularly on areas like Lekki and its environs, where residents, especially the elderly, have raised concerns about the adverse effects on their health and security due to the proliferation of unauthorized establishments. Oki urged property owners to take the notice seriously, emphasizing the commitment of the government to sanitize the state in line with its vision of becoming Africa’s model mega city.
The ultimatum, effective from January 29, gives owners until the end of February to comply or face the outright removal of their non-conforming buildings. LASBCA reiterated its dedication to upholding the regulatory framework and ensuring the preservation of residential areas for their intended use.
