Authorities in Lagos have blacklisted 176 estate developments across Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe for operating without official planning approval, giving developers a 21-day ultimatum to submit their layout plans or face sanctions.
The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development announced the enforcement action on Monday, 4 August 2025, citing a breach of town planning regulations and warning of consequences for defaulters.
Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, Mr Oluwole Sotire, said the affected estates are being built in violation of land use policies and are undermining the state’s push for sustainable, coordinated urban growth as outlined in the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.
“The Ministry has identified 176 estates that are being developed without approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. This contravenes regulations governing land use planning and distorts the orderly development structure of Lagos,” Sotire stated.
He noted that the developments pose significant risks to infrastructure systems, environmental safety, and the effective provision of public services. Some of the blacklisted estates are also under scrutiny for possible land encroachment and breaches of environmental protocols.
“These developers are compromising the sustainable development ethos and endangering our vision for a resilient, smart city as defined under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government,” he said.
Among the estates listed are Adron Homes in Elerangbe, Aina Gold Estate in Okun-Folu, Diamond Estate in Eputu, Prime Water View Garden in Ikate Elegushi, and Royal View Estate in Ikota, along with dozens more located along key residential and mixed-use zones in the state.
Developers and estate promoters behind the identified sites have been directed to report to the Office of Physical Planning at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, within 21 days to begin layout regularisation. Failure to comply, the Ministry warned, will result in enforcement actions that may include legal prosecution.
Sotire explained that the move is part of routine oversight to keep Lagos’ physical development in line with approved structural blueprints that include road networks, drainage infrastructure, green spaces, and public service areas.
“This action is necessary to prevent uncoordinated development, land disputes, flooding risks, and public safety concerns that often arise when developments are not subjected to technical vetting and approval,” he said.
He also encouraged all developers and estate promoters operating within the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), which oversees and regulates all real estate activities in Lagos.
“We are calling on every real estate practitioner and developer in Lagos to comply with regulatory processes and avoid sanctions. The public is also advised to confirm the approval status of any estate before making investments,” he advised.
The enforcement measure comes as the Lekki-Epe corridor continues to attract large-scale residential and commercial investment, spurred by infrastructure growth and rising demand for housing. Authorities, however, are increasingly concerned about the surge in unauthorised and poorly planned developments lacking adherence to official planning guidelines.