Gov Sanwo-Olu Moves Against Illegal Beach Houses Along Lagos Coastline

…Empowers Communities with 30 MVA Electric Transformer

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, embarked on an unscheduled five-hour working tour of towns along Lagos State’s coastal areas, inspecting ongoing developments and assessing key infrastructure in riverine communities.

The visit followed reports of unregulated physical developments springing up along the coastal corridor, many of which encroach on approved setbacks and violate the state’s physical planning laws.

Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and members of the State Executive Council, inspected unapproved structures at Ibeshe, Kare, and Inagbe — communities bordering Ilashe.

The Governor also inspected the 30 megavolt-ampere (MVA) power station built by the state government to connect riverine communities to the national grid. The facility, located in Ilashe, was formally handed over to EKO Disco to enable power distribution to residents.

Sanwo-Olu expressed displeasure over the indiscriminate and disjointed developments along the coastline, warning that the government would not tolerate continued violations.

He said:

“We are bringing order, sanity, and repossession to redefine livelihood in these communities. There are too many unapproved buildings along the corridor. People have flagrantly violated safety regulations and planning approvals by building beyond approved setbacks from the ocean banks.

We will return for a full enumeration of violations. The Ministry of Physical Planning and LASBCA will identify the infractions, and decisions will be taken on how to regularise, issue titles, and ensure that locals are not at a disadvantage. Our aim is to restore order and boost tourism potential along this stretch. Government will be a strong enabler for these opportunities to thrive.”

The Governor noted that the coastal corridor is a major tourism destination, stressing that the state intends to sanitise the area and fully integrate operators into its physical planning model.

During the tour, Sanwo-Olu also met with traditional rulers of the riverine communities and pledged improved security and better access to healthcare services.

He added:

“We’ve moved across communities on both the lagoon and ocean sides. This whole stretch is part of the future we must preserve. Government will correct the wrongs here and come up with a win-win solution.”