The Lagos State Government has declared 176 housing estates across the state as illegal developments due to their failure to obtain mandatory layout approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Oluwole Sotire, who revealed that the affected estates are predominantly located in rapidly expanding corridors such as Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe.
According to Sotire, the developments were identified through regulatory inspections and fail to comply with Lagos State’s urban planning laws.
“These estates have been declared illegal because they lack the required planning and layout approvals,” Sotire stated, adding that “Their continued existence in this form threatens the state’s vision for sustainable and orderly urban development.”
While emphasizing that the declaration is not punitive, the Ministry stressed that it is part of an ongoing regulatory mandate to ensure that both public and private developments align with the Lagos State Development Plan.
Sotire encouraged developers of the affected estates to take advantage of a grace period to regularise their documents and submit their development proposals to the Ministry for proper assessment and approval.
“We remain open to processing submissions and facilitating regularisation for developers who act in good faith,” he said.
According to Arise TV, some of the estates identified include Apple Shore Park in Akodo, Ibeju-Lekki, Beach Front Garden in Awojo, Ibeju-Lekki, Cedarwood Boulevard Estate in Okun, Eti-Osa and Cherry Blossom Estate in Oniru, Ibeju-Lekki.
Others were Dominion Garden & Parks in Bene, Ikosi, Victory Park Estate, Strawberries Garden, and Lakeview Estate in Eti-Osa, Isimi Eden Phase I & II at Elegushi Junction, Grand Harbor Estate and Dominion City Phase 1 in Epe and Lake View Park and Resort on Epe-Itokin Road.
Well-known estates such as Victoria Crest, Pacific Abode, Orange Pavilion, and Lekki Palisade Garden were also listed among the non-compliant developments.
The move comes as part of intensified efforts by the Lagos State Government to rein in unregulated estate developments, particularly in the fast-developing Lekki-Epe axis. Authorities have warned that unplanned growth could lead to infrastructure strain, flood risk, and environmental degradation.
“This is not about halting progress,” Sotire explained. “It is about guiding growth in a structured, sustainable, and legally compliant manner to protect both investors and the broader public.”
The government reiterated that developers must seek appropriate planning permits before initiating any estate development. Failure to do so may attract sanctions, including possible demolition or denial of infrastructure support.
Residents and stakeholders are advised to verify the approval status of properties before making purchases to avoid disputes or legal complications in the future.
