The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has said that Ikeja GRA is strictly for residential purposes as the law forbids the development of event centers in the area.
LASPPPA general manager, Kehinde Osinaike, said in a statement on Tuesday that the Revised Ikeja Model City Plan clearly outlines the land-use zoning of Ikeja GRA as strictly residential, and as a result, it is mandated to only permit residential developments in the area.
“This clarification becomes important in view of the baseless claim by a developer that LASPPPA sealed the site of his ongoing construction of an event centre at Ikeja GRA for personal reasons,” Osinaike stated.
Osinaike reiterated the agency’s mandate under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 as amended and LASPPPA Regulations 2019, to issue permits to qualified applicants and uphold the integrity of Lagos State’s Master and Model City Plans.
These plans, he noted, represent a significant investment by the government to ensure the orderly and sustainable development of the state for the benefit of all residents.
Osinaike emphasised that Lagos State takes its planning laws very seriously and does not hesitate to apply them regardless of the status of individuals involved, in line with the livable, organised and orderly built environment vision of Lagos State.
He cautioned against disregarding warnings and noted that those who do so risk facing penalties such as sealing, demolition, and other severe punishments by the agency.
“I strongly believe that our nation will know true development when the elites begin to seek the common good and weigh individual interest against public interest. It profits society for us to obey the law, build rights, and not resort to needless blame games or blackmail,” Osinaike stated.
He, however, urged developers who are interested in event centers and other forms of commercial developments in Ikeja GRA to look for other sites elsewhere, where such will be permissible.
“Property owners and developers are hereby enjoined to respect the Lagos State Government’s zero tolerance for illegal developments by taking advantage of the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development free Planning Information service to guide in proper site selection,” Osinaike added.
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