The Lagos State Government has suspended all planning approvals immediately along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. The decision was made to allow the state to check the effects of the road project on its physical development plans in the area.
This announcement was made by Dr Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos. He made this disclosure on Monday in Alausa, Ikeja. According to Olumide, the temporary ban on planning approvals in this area is meant to help the state resolve some issues that the road might have caused to its ongoing plans.
Dr Oluyinka Olumide explained that the road project has affected the just concluded Ode-Omi Action Area Plan. It has also impacted the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan and the Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan. All these plans were at different stages of preparation when the state made the decision to put a temporary stop to the approval of new building plans.
He said the state needed to reassess the situation on ground and align it with its physical development plans. According to him, this reassessment is meant to avoid future problems and to make sure all projects in the area follow proper plans and guidelines. “As a result of the effects of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on our Development Plans, it is germane to review the situation on ground and align it with the Development Plans to forestall any further distortion now or in the nearest future.”
Dr Olumide explained that it was very important to temporarily suspend the approval of new plans in the affected area until the state reviews all its plans. “In this connection, it is equally important to temporarily suspend Planning Approvals in the axis until further notice.” The Commissioner made this clear in his announcement.
He also stressed that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority has been directed to carry out this order immediately and to discontinue all approval processes in the affected area until further instructions are given.
Dr Oluyinka Olumide assured members of the public and stakeholders that the state remained committed to developing a well-planned, livable, and sustainable environment. According to him, this will help to align future development with the overall goals of the state. The Commissioner explained that the state was well positioned to enjoy the many benefits of the inter-state Coastal Highway once all plans are properly put in place.
He added that the temporary ban will enable the government to reassess its plans and make sure future developments match its goals for an orderly city. He assured landowners and developers that this move was not meant to undermine their properties but to allow for proper review and to avoid future problems that may arise from poor planning.
The Commissioner called for understanding and patience from all stakeholders. He said the state was committed to fairness and a well-planned city that would be a place where everyone can live, work, and do business safely and efficiently.
Meanwhile, related reports say Bauchi State recently banned farming activities along road setbacks. Also in Taraba, Governor Agbu Kefas is laying a strong foundation for the future of the state, according to the Commissioner for Information. Furthermore, a Council has pledged its readiness to pursue community development initiatives to improve the lives of its people.
This temporary ban underscores the importance of proper physical planning to avoid future problems in growing areas. The state government is trying to make sure it controls development in a way that benefits everyone.
