In light of the wave of demolitions across Lagos State, an important question needs to be asked — why hasn’t any affected developer come forward with valid approvals from the Lagos State Government.
If these structures were lawfully approved, shouldn’t documentation exist to prove it?
This silence raises deeper concerns about the culture of negligence, greed, and shortcuts that plague our real estate space — often with devastating consequences.
A System of Shared Negligence
When we examine the players involved in these demolitions, two major culprits stand out:
1. The Developer Who Builds on Problematic Land – Some developers deliberately build on land:
- Under government acquisition
- Without a valid building permit
- In violation of approved plans
- On canals, power lines, or setbacks
They exploit unsuspecting buyers, promising luxury homes on legally unsafe land. This act not only violates the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010, but is also morally bankrupt.
Under Section 30(1) of the Law:
“No person shall develop any land unless an approval is granted by the relevant Planning Permit Authority.”
2. The Buyer Who Ignores Due Process
Many buyers bypass critical legal steps because:
- They’re in a hurry
- The house “looks good”
- The price is below market value
- They rely on the seller’s sweet talk or church affiliation
In most cases, they fail to:
- Engage a property lawyer
- Verify planning permits and title documents
- Ask tough questions about the property’s origin
This exposes them to demolitions, financial ruin, and emotional trauma.
Demolition notices are not just randomly issued. They’re rooted in violations of building and planning laws, including:
- Illegal developments on committed or encroached land
- Non-compliance with approval conditions
- Environmental safety violations
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) are empowered by law to enforce these rules.
So, Who Should We Blame?
The answer is simple: both the developer and the buyer.
- The developer for initiating an unlawful construction, with intent to profit.
- The buyer for ignoring professional guidance and proper documentation in the name of convenience or price.
The rising demolitions in Lagos should serve as a wake-up call. Before you buy or invest in property:
- Verify the planning permit
- Confirm that the land is not under acquisition or commitment
- Consult a real estate lawyer
- Demand evidence of approvals, not just site visits and glossy photos
No building is safe without legal foundations.
