The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide has maintained that the physical planning enforcement on the Lagos International Trade fair complex, Ojo, Alaba, on Wednesday was justified to stop further development of buildings without official approval within the complex.
This is coming barely a day after the Director-General of the Trade Fair complex, Vera Ndanusa, accused officials of the Lagos State Government of harassment and assault.
Olumide said that the Trade Fair Complex has a record of not complying with building regulations or even cooperating with attempts to bring it to voluntary compliance.
He noted that the enforcement exercise of yesterday was to send a strong signal that planning infractions in the area must stop while all building constructions must be regularised with the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as stipulated by the Supreme Court Judgement of 2003.
Olumide pointed out that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is empowered by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 as amended to control the development of physical structures within the State, issue planning permits and enforce compliance.
He said the Ministry’s role is sacrosanct for a livable, organised and sustainable environment as well as the overall well-being and wellness of Lagosians.