The Lagos State Government has announced that its investigation into unauthorized buildings on Banana Island has been completed and a public report will be released shortly.
During a media briefing held on Monday at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, revealed the update while speaking on the governor’s achievements in his second term.
Babatunde noted that over the past year, the state had demolished at least 349 buildings considered unsafe. These demolitions, he said, were part of a broader effort to ensure public safety and uphold urban planning regulations.
He recalled that earlier warnings were given about illegal structures on Banana Island, especially buildings that were either erected without the necessary approvals or located in prohibited zones such as waterfronts or beneath power lines.
“These areas are not meant for construction, and those who went ahead to build there were putting lives at risk,” Babatunde said. He added that the government would not tolerate developments that ignore building codes and planning regulations.
Many residents and property owners on Banana Island have expressed concern about the impending demolitions and have appealed to the state government for consideration. In response, Babatunde noted that affected property owners were invited for discussions and given the chance to present their building documents.
He stated, “This action reflects the government’s firm commitment to enforcing urban planning laws, safeguarding public safety, and preserving the structural integrity of the estate.”
The verification process, according to Babatunde, is now complete, and those with proper documentation have been allowed to regularize their approvals. “The report on this exercise is ready, and the government will soon publish it publicly before taking further action,” he added.
Beyond Banana Island, Babatunde explained that illegal structures have also been removed in other parts of Lagos, including Iyana Isheri, Iyana-Iba, and Abule Egba. Most of these structures were also located beneath power lines or in other unsafe zones.
Since 2021, the state has recovered 39 properties that violated planning regulations, and penalties have been issued to the offenders.
