The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has criticised the Lagos State Government’s decision to seal 176 estates over alleged violations of planning approval requirements.
The backlash follows a statement by the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi, who said the government would move against the estates at the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum to regularise their documentation.
Speaking on Friday, REDAN President Akintoye Adeoye warned that branding the estates “illegal” could damage investor confidence.
“It sends shock waves and fear to the investing community, particularly those in the diaspora. I want to caution government representatives to choose their words carefully while sending messages to the public.
In the future, the government must deepen the culture of transparency in their services. There are trust and confidence issues to be addressed.
Excessive requirements for planning approvals and exorbitant rates must be looked into.
REDAN is engaging with the government on the challenges of developers in this matter.”
Last week, the Lagos State Government listed 176 estates mostly in Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe as “illegal” for failing to obtain layout approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The list was published on Monday.
When asked if the developments indicated a regulatory failure, Sanusi attributed it to “pervasive disregard for regulation in the country,” adding:
“However, that some of them have built does not make it right.
Government must act in the interest of a livable, organised and sustainable physical environment.”
He further stressed the need for developers to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), which oversees the regulation, coordination, and monitoring of real estate practitioners in the state.
