Oworosonki Demolition: Lagos Govt Rules Out Compensation for Displaced Residents

The Lagos State Government has said there are no plans to compensate property owners and occupants displaced during the recent demolition of marked buildings and shanties along Iyana Oworo and Lekki coastlines.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made this known on Tuesday at the maiden quarterly media parley on the state of the Lagos physical environment, held in Alausa, Ikeja.

The exercise, led by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), saw residents of Ojulari community in Oworosonki displaced last Saturday for erecting unapproved structures along the coastline. The action came just two days after the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development warned that unchecked sand dredging — estimated at 10,625 cubic metres daily — could destabilize the ecosystem, destroy aquatic habitats, and ultimately lead to the collapse of the lagoon and waterfronts.

Displaced residents later stormed the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday, blocking traffic and demanding compensation.

Responding to their calls, Olumide said: “There is no plan by the state government to compensate Oworosonki residents who were displaced in the demolition of illegal structures. However, the governor has the prerogative power to approve compensation.”

— New Agency to Manage Informal Spaces —
Olumide revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will soon launch a new agency tasked with recovering and utilizing over 3,000 hectares of informal spaces across Lagos.

“We discovered that over 3,000 hectares of land in Lagos are left unused. After recovery, they will be designed for the use of parking lots, gardens, shopping malls and other basic facilities, in collaboration with the private sector that will change the face of Lagos State,” he said.

— Extension of Amnesty Period —
Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier extended the amnesty period for owners and developers of buildings without proper planning approvals until December 31, 2024. Initially set to end in October, the extension allows more property owners to regularise their buildings without penalties.

The amnesty programme, first introduced between May 2 and July 30, 2024, grants owners of existing developments the chance to obtain planning permits free of penal charges, with additional discounts offered for payments completed within 10 working days.

Applicants must submit required documents — including proof of ownership, survey plans, architectural and structural drawings, integrity test reports (if applicable), and tax compliance evidence — to the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) district offices or headquarters in Ikeja.

Olumide emphasised that the initiative is part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s efforts to ease economic pressure on the built environment sector while ensuring compliance with planning regulations to achieve a more livable, organised and sustainable Lagos.