By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has reduced the minimum land size required for estate development from 10,000 square metres to 5,000 square metres.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Oluyinka Olumide, during the inaugural edition of the Ministry’s Quarterly Media Parley held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa.
Mr Olumide explained that the revision reflects the realities of rapid urbanisation and population growth in Lagos, which have created pressure on land availability and increased the demand for estate development.
He stated, “This new policy reflects the current dynamics in Lagos. With limited land and rising demand for housing, we must adapt and make estate development more accessible.”
The Commissioner revealed that since the publication of a list of 176 non-compliant estates in August, some promoters have engaged the government to regularise their developments. He warned that enforcement action would soon begin against those who have not made efforts to comply.
He further disclosed that enforcement would also extend to other areas, including Ikorodu and Ikeja, where similar cases of unregulated estate conversions had been identified.
Mr Olumide noted that the Ministry is working on a framework to regulate communities that have been informally converted into estates without approvals.
Reaffirming the importance of structured growth, he stressed that the Operative Development Plans of Lagos State serve as critical guides for public and private projects. He cited the Blue and Red Line Rail systems, flyovers, and other major infrastructure as examples built on such development blueprints.
According to him, the Ministry has completed key plans such as the Alimosho Model City Plan, Kosofe Model City Plan, Lagos Island Model City Plan, and the Badagry Master Plan. He urged stakeholders to strictly adhere to these guidelines.
The Commissioner also highlighted improvements in the operations of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency (LASPPPA).
He said, “With reforms in staffing, district expansion, and process awareness, applicants can now receive planning permits within just 10 days of payment.” He added that automation of the entire process is underway.
As part of wider regeneration efforts, the state government has earmarked over 3,000 hectares of underutilised land for redevelopment. These include power line corridors, gas lines, and drainage setbacks, which are currently being used informally.
Mr Olumide said the government plans to reclaim such spaces and repurpose them into structured parking zones and public infrastructure to ease pressure in high-density communities.
He added, “We’re reimagining how we use neglected urban spaces. These locations, once left unplanned, will now be repurposed to support city life, reduce congestion, and create more organised developments.”