Lagos Plants 13,401 Trees In Six Months

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state planted 13,401 trees across its five administrative divisions in the first six months of 2026, representing 67 per cent of its annual target of 20,000 trees.

The governor said the remaining trees would be planted during the current rainy season, expressing confidence that Lagos would surpass its annual target by October.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Day organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency at Eko Amore Gardens, Freedom Way, Lekki.

 

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According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, LASPARK, Abiodun Adebayo, the governor said the state’s tree-planting target was part of efforts to expand its green infrastructure to address the effects of climate change.

He said, “Lagos had already planted 13,401 trees across its five administrative divisions as of June 30, representing 67 per cent of the state’s annual target of 20,000 trees. The remaining trees and more would be planted during the current rainy season.

“Tree planting is a vital investment in the future of Lagos. Expanding the state’s green infrastructure remains critical to combating climate change, improving air quality, reducing urban heat, preserving biodiversity and enhancing the overall well-being of residents,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged the chairmen of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas to serve as “Tree Custodians” by working closely with LASPARK to protect and monitor trees within their communities.

He also reminded residents that anyone who unlawfully fells a tree is required by law to replace it with five others.

As part of the event, the governor unveiled the 20 Lagos Tree Champions in recognition of individuals and organisations that have contributed significantly to the state’s greening initiative.

He called on private organisations, development partners, educational institutions, community groups and residents to support the government’s tree-planting campaign through strategic partnerships and sustained environmental stewardship.

“The government alone cannot achieve the vision of a greener and more resilient Lagos. Stronger public-private collaboration will significantly accelerate the state’s greening agenda while creating healthier and more sustainable communities for present and future generations,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also commended LASPARK for promoting environmental awareness and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability under the THEMES+ Agenda.

The wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, described this year’s theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” as a reminder that protecting the environment requires collective action.

“The future of our environment depends on the choices we make today and the actions we take as individuals and corporate entities,” she said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, described tree planting as one of the most practical and cost-effective responses to climate change.

He said the annual exercise underscored the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

“Beyond beautifying the environment, trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, enrich soil fertility, reduce erosion, conserve water resources and create habitats for wildlife while supporting agriculture, tourism and other green economic opportunities,” Wahab said.

He added that every tree planted under the state’s afforestation programme had been geo-tagged and was being actively monitored to ensure its survival.

The commissioner appealed to residents, schools, businesses, community associations, development partners and civil society organisations to protect existing trees and plant more.

The General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, said the agency was deploying geotagging technology and community-based monitoring systems to improve tree survival rates.

She added that LASPARK would continue distributing free tree seedlings to residents, corporate organisations, Community Development Associations, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to encourage wider participation in the greening campaign.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr Vinod Obasa, pledged his council’s support for the state’s afforestation drive and promised to encourage more tree planting across the local government area.

Recall that Lagos State, last month, unveiled a new environmental initiative aimed at combating climate change and rising urban temperatures, committing to planting 500 trees across the state while joining a global campaign to address extreme heat in cities.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, made the announcement on the occasion of the 2026 World Environment Day, where officials warned that rapid urbanisation and climate change were increasing heat-related risks for residents.

  

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Lagos, CCECC Partner To Establish Railway Training Centre

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has partnered with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to establish a Railway Training Centre as part of efforts to build the skilled workforce needed to support the expansion of Lagos’ rail network from six to 11 rail lines.

The agreement, signed in Lagos, comes as the Lagos State Government updates its Strategic Transport Master Plan, increasing the rail component from the original six rail lines and one monorail to 11 rail lines and one monorail in response to the state’s growing transportation demands.

 

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Speaking at the signing ceremony on Saturday, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said the proposed training centre would ensure that the state’s expanding rail infrastructure is operated and maintained by highly skilled Nigerian professionals, reducing dependence on foreign expertise.

She noted that the authority had already made considerable progress in developing local manpower through the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue and Red Lines, where hundreds of Nigerians have been trained to manage critical aspects of rail operations.

She said, “Since we started the Blue and Red Line operations, we have trained over 400 personnel, including train drivers, customer service representatives, and operations staff. On the Blue Line alone, we have achieved over 90 per cent local staffing, with technical partners filling only the remaining gaps.”

Akinajo explained that the expansion of the state’s rail network made it imperative to establish a structured and internationally certified railway training institution capable of producing professionals across key areas of the industry.

According to her, “The Strategic Transport Master Plan has now been updated to include 11 rail lines and one monorail. For a network of this scale to be sustainable, we need a proper certified training system covering signalling, maintenance, operations, and customer service. Our goal is to ensure that the infrastructure we build is operated and maintained by Nigerians.

“This will guarantee the longevity of our transit systems, create meaningful employment opportunities for our youths, and contribute significantly to the growth of the Nigerian economy.”

She described the partnership with CCECC as a strategic investment in human capital, saying it would equip young Nigerians with globally recognised railway skills while supporting the state’s vision of an integrated and sustainable mass transit system.

Responding on behalf of CCECC, the company’s Vice President, Sun Xiangchun, commended LAMATA for championing the initiative, describing vocational education as the bedrock of industrial development and a key driver of sustainable infrastructure growth.

He said the project aligns with the China-Africa Vocational Education Plan jointly endorsed by the Presidents of Nigeria and China, adding that the collaboration would deepen technical education and accelerate Africa’s industrialisation agenda.

According to Xiangchun, having delivered the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue and Red Lines, CCECC understands that the next phase of Lagos’ rail development will require a new generation of highly trained professionals in railway operations, maintenance and management.

He said, “The establishment of a professional and integrated railway training centre is not only timely but essential for the sustainable development of Lagos’ rail transit system.”

Xiangchun added that the facility would combine classroom learning, simulation-based training, practical field experience, and professional skills assessment to produce world-class railway personnel capable of managing Africa’s fastest-growing urban rail systems.

  

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Security: Lagos Donates Protective Gear To NDLEA

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining what officials described as Nigeria’s safest security environment with the donation of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and 100 raincoats to the Lagos Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The donation, facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), forms part of the state government’s continued investment in strengthening security agencies through the provision of operational equipment and logistics.
Presenting the items to the NDLEA command, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that security agencies operating in Lagos are adequately equipped to safeguard lives and property.

“Let me commend the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in whose authority I am here today. He is the brain behind all that we do for security agencies in Lagos. I have come to celebrate the best governor as far as security is concerned in Nigeria. Lagos is the best and the safest state in the country,” he said.
Ogunsan said the protective equipment would enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of NDLEA officers in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse across the state.

“We have come to offer these bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and raincoats so that you can do more and achieve more. This will support your patrol operations and ensure that the vital organs of our officers are protected. Please make good use of these items, and we remain open to further collaboration,” he added.

He also commended the leadership of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, describing it as one of the agency’s best-performing commands.
“I also celebrate the best NDLEA command in Nigeria under Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Wali Liman Abubakar. Since his assumption of office, we have witnessed remarkable achievements. The energy and commitment he has brought to the job are commendable. You play a crucial role in Lagos’ security architecture, and we are pleased to partner with you.”

Ogunsan warned criminal elements against operating in the state, stressing that Lagos would not provide a haven for crime.
“This is a warning to anyone planning to cause trouble. Lagos is not vacant. We will accept nothing short of safety. Lagos is security-conscious and will not harbour criminals. We are monitoring activities on land, at sea and in the air,” he said.

Responding, the Commander of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Wali Liman Abubakar, thanked the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF for the donation, describing it as timely.

  

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Lagos Government Orders Immediate Evacuation Of Waste Across The State

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed an immediate scale-up of waste evacuation operations across the state following growing concerns over the accumulation of refuse in some areas.

The state government, in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gbenga Akosile, acknowledged residents’ complaints and assured Lagosians that efforts were underway to restore normal waste collection services.

According to the statement, relevant agencies and service providers have been mobilised to work round the clock to clear waste backlogs and improve sanitation across affected communities.

“The Lagos State Government acknowledges the concerns of residents regarding the recent accumulation of refuse in some parts of the state and wishes to assure Lagosians that the situation is receiving the highest level of attention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the entire machinery of government.

“We are not oblivious to the inconveniences and concerns occasioned by the situation. Lagosians deserve a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city, and this administration remains fully committed to delivering on that obligation,” the statement read.

Akosile said additional resources had been deployed to support waste evacuation efforts, while strategic interventions were being implemented to strengthen operational efficiency and improve waste collection and disposal.

He added that the governor had directed the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant agencies to intensify their operations.

The government noted that Lagos generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, making it one of the highest waste-producing cities on the African continent.

While describing the current situation as temporary, the government said substantial progress had already been recorded in some locations and promised further improvements in the coming days.

“We wish to reassure residents that this challenge is temporary. Indeed, substantial progress is already being recorded in several locations, and more improvements will become visible across the state in the days ahead,” he added.

The government also urged residents, market associations, businesses and community leaders to support sanitation efforts by disposing of waste properly and avoiding activities that obstruct drainage channels, roads and designated waste collection points.

It reiterated its commitment to maintaining environmental standards and protecting public health across the state.

  

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Residents Of Surulere Petition Reps Member Over Road Project

Residents of Anjorin Community Development Association in Surulere, Lagos State, have petitioned their federal lawmaker, Lanre Okunola, over what they described as poor execution and prolonged delay in the construction of the Anjorin Street road project.

The petition, signed by CDA Chairman Kehinde Okelade, accused contractors of substandard work, lack of professional supervision, and abandonment of sections of the project since work commenced in 2024.

Okelade said residents had endured months of disruption after the initial clearing of drainage channels began in August 2024, but no meaningful construction followed for an extended period.

“Sometime in August 2024, clearing of drainage commenced on Anjorin as preparation for the construction of the road. However, it was not until June 2025 that we noticed the breaking of culverts in front of buildings,” he said.

Democracy Day Protesters Converge at Ikeja Under Bridge

He alleged that when construction eventually resumed, the materials and methods used fell below acceptable standards.

“We observed that the iron rods used for the construction were so tiny, below the required specifications, and the work was being executed by mallams without any engineer on site for supervision,” Okelade said.

He also raised concerns about supervision and interference in the project, alleging that individuals without technical qualifications were directing workers on-site.

“We noticed one of the notable CDA members from Ramoni Ward, by name Ayo, was the one supervising the construction… the said Ayo is not an engineer and does not have any qualification known to us for handling road construction,” he added.

According to the residents, construction activities have also disrupted access to adjoining streets without consultation.

“Ayo instructed the mallams to dig up the Akanji road junction by Anjorin, thereby preventing residents of Akanji from accessing their street. The action was taken without formally informing the CDA or the residents,” the petition stated.

The CDA compared the ongoing project with neighbouring roads, alleging uneven standards of execution.

“The construction of Onadeko was attested by residents of our CDA as the best road construction in Surulere. Sadly, Anjorin Street… is being poorly constructed and will likely fail just as we are currently experiencing with Cole Street,” Okelade said.

He urged the lawmaker to intervene directly by inspecting the project and ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.

“As leaders within the community, we have been receiving so many complaints from residents regarding the state of Cole Street and also Anjorin… which has been ongoing for about two years,” he said.

  

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Lagos To Reconstruct And Upgrade Major Roads In Ikeja GRA

The Lagos State Government has commenced plans to reconstruct and upgrade major road networks in Ikeja GRA, including Ladoke Akintola Road, Oladipo Bateye, Tayo Ayeni, Adetunji Adeoba and Sowemimo roads, as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance connectivity within the highbrow neighbourhood.

The government disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Office of Infrastructure under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to brief residents on the scope of the projects and obtain their support ahead of construction.

Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Tokunbo Oyenuga, said the projects formed part of the state’s broader urban regeneration and road rehabilitation programme.

According to him, the engagement was necessary to ensure that residents understood both the benefits and temporary inconveniences associated with the projects.

“To ensure a seamless process, the Office of Infrastructure under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure held a stakeholders meeting to allow residents to understand the peculiarity of pains and gains before the end of the projects,” he said.

Oyenuga noted that the roads would be reconstructed using concrete pavement technology and fitted with solar-powered streetlights to improve durability, safety and environmental sustainability.

He called on residents to cooperate with the government and contractors to facilitate the timely completion of the projects.

The permanent secretary also assured residents that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure would continue to engage stakeholders throughout the execution of the projects to ensure that concerns were addressed promptly.

He further urged property owners to adhere to approved building setbacks and avoid encroaching on public road alignments.

Representing residents at the meeting, the chairman of the Ikeja GRA Residents Association, Muiz Banire, who spoke through Ade Atobatele, welcomed the government’s intervention and described the planned road upgrades as critical to development.

He commended the state government for engaging residents before commencing the projects and expressed confidence that the project would improve mobility and infrastructure within the community.

Banire, however, appealed to the government to ensure the prompt completion of the projects to reduce the disruption construction activities could cause to residents and businesses.

“At the same time, we urge the government to ensure prompt completion of the road projects to minimise the hardship that residents and businesses may experience during construction.

“We assure the government of the maximum cooperation of residents towards the success of the projects,” he said.

The contractors handling the projects also pledged to deliver the works within schedule, assuring stakeholders that the roads would provide long-term benefits for residents and support future development within the community.

Stakeholders at the meeting further called on the state government to address issues raised during the engagement to ensure the successful execution of the projects.

  

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Building Collapse Risks: Lagos Seals 827 Construction Sites

Lagos State Government has sealed 827 construction sites across the state in the last 12 months as part of intensified enforcement measures aimed at tackling building collapses and ensuring compliance with construction safety standards.

The government said the enforcement drive forms part of a broader strategy to stem the persistent challenge of building failures, particularly in informal settlements and unapproved developments where many developers operate outside established quality control procedures.

General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, disclosed this while answering questions at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Abdul said the agency had moved beyond conventional testing methods and adopted a proactive, intelligence-driven quality assurance system designed to detect violations before they result in structural failures.

According to her, the agency issued 3,181 notices to property owners and developers during the review period, while enforcement teams carried out 822 compliance operations across construction sites statewide.

She disclosed that 439 sites were sealed following non-compliance with regulatory directives, while hundreds of others were shut down over violations linked to destructive and non-destructive testing requirements, bringing the total number of sealed facilities to 827 within one year.

“These sealings are not just statistics; they send a clear message that no structure is too big and no developer too connected to escape quality control measures in Lagos State,” Abdul said.

The LSMTL boss attributed many building collapse incidents to developments in informal settlements where developers often evade statutory testing procedures and regulatory oversight.

To address the challenge, she said the agency has introduced sweeping reforms anchored on technology, stricter enforcement and industry-wide compliance monitoring.

Among the reforms, she said, was the introduction of the electronic Materials Testing Management System (e-MTMS), a digital platform that assigns unique tracking codes to every construction sample submitted for testing, thereby eliminating human interference and reducing opportunities for result manipulation.

Abdul said the agency has also enforced a mandatory three-stage testing regime requiring developers to conduct tests at foundation, structural frame and roofing stages before construction can proceed.

She added that all registered construction sites are now geotagged and mapped using GPS technology, enabling enforcement teams to verify compliance remotely and monitor projects in real time.

“The agency has also introduced a private laboratory accreditation programme under which only laboratories that pass bi-annual proficiency assessments are authorised to issue test certificates recognised by the Lagos State Government,” she disclosed.

In a further push to strengthen oversight, Abdul disclosed that a dedicated whistleblower and rapid response system had been established to enable residents report suspicious construction activities.

According to her, the agency responded to such reports within 48 hours and took immediate enforcement action where necessary.

The General Manager said LSMTL had also partnered with professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Building and the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos, to implement compulsory training and certification programmes for key construction stakeholders.

She revealed that the agency conducted 7,077 steel destructive tests, 5,959 concrete tests, 1,818 water tests, 333 pile integrity tests, 948 steel stanchion tests and 226 geotechnical tests involving construction materials such as sand, granite and cement during the review period.

Abdul urged Lagos residents to demand valid test certificates before occupying newly completed buildings, stressing that preventing building collapse requires collective vigilance from regulators, developers and the public.

“We are working towards zero building collapse in Lagos, but residents also have a role to play by insisting on quality assurance and compliance before moving into any building,” she said.

  

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Gender Based Violence: Lagos Records Over 6000 Cases, Secures Justice For Over 2000 Victims

The Lagos State government has  disclosed that 6,753 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were reported across the state in 2025, with 2,460 survivors obtaining justice through various intervention and support mechanisms put in place by the government.

The government also revealed that 116 offenders were prosecuted during the period, while 3,099 survivors received recovery and support services, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence and protect vulnerable residents.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, disclosed the figures on Monday during the ministry’s ministerial press briefing commemorating the second year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

According to the commissioner, of the 6,753 reported GBV cases, 6,213 involved female victims, while 540 involved male.

She added that 2,263 female survivors and 197 male survivors secured justice through legal and institutional interventions.

Dada said the ministry had continued to strengthen its response framework through mediation, counselling, awareness campaigns, emergency intervention services and partnerships with relevant agencies and development organisations.

She noted that 273 survivors were provided with livelihood support programmes aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and attain financial independence, while 3,099 victims benefitted from recovery, counselling and support services.

The commissioner explained that the Domestic Violence Unit of the ministry remains at the forefront of efforts to address domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence across Lagos.

“The Domestic Violence Unit remains dedicated to its mandate of eradicating domestic violence and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all residents of Lagos State. Through sustained collaboration, policy support and resource allocation, we are expanding our reach and impact in the fight against domestic violence and gender-based abuse,” she said.

Dada disclosed that the ministry implemented 75,037 preventive actions against GBV during the review period through community sensitisation campaigns, advocacy programmes and public enlightenment initiatives conducted across urban, rural and riverine communities in the state.

She said the interventions targeted schools, religious institutions, community leaders, men and boys, as well as vulnerable groups, with the objective of preventing abuse and promoting non-violent conflict resolution.

According to her, the ministry has also strengthened emergency response mechanisms through its Call Service Centre, which is integrated with the Lagos State Command and Control Centre via the 767 emergency number.

Dada said the centre serves as a critical platform for receiving reports, conducting initial assessments, providing information on available support services and connecting survivors to counselling, shelters, legal aid and law enforcement agencies.

She revealed that 340 cases were reported through the contact centre during the period under review, demonstrating growing public confidence in the state’s response system.

The commissioner further highlighted the state’s collaboration with agencies such as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and development partners including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Dada also pointed to the completion of a survivor shelter in Agidingbi and the launch of the Lagos State Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Policy as major milestones in strengthening protection for survivors and promoting safer learning environments across tertiary institutions in the state.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence and all forms of gender-based abuse, stressing that the protection of women, children and vulnerable persons remains a key priority of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

“The success of our interventions is a reflection of the state’s commitment to social inclusion, protection of vulnerable groups and the creation of safer communities where residents can live with dignity and security,” she said.

  

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Lagos Comes Hard On 176 Illegal Estates Operating In The State, Defends High Cost Of Permits

As part of efforts to curb fraudulent property developments and restore order in the built environment, the Lagos State Government on Friday published the names of 176 illegal estates operating without approved layout plans.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to the commissioner, the ministry intensified monitoring and enforcement operations across the state, with 205 estates inspected for compliance with approved layout plans.
He explained that the exercise was aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, improving infrastructure coordination, and ensuring orderly estate development across Lagos.
“Through continuous monitoring and enforcement activities, the department contributed significantly towards reducing incidences of unregulated estate development and promoting safer, more organised, and environmentally sustainable communities across Lagos State,” Olumide said.

The commissioner also highlighted major progress recorded in planning permit administration through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
He revealed that between June and December 2025, the state received 14,549 planning permit applications and granted 11,701 approvals, while an additional 7,054 applications were submitted between January and March 2026, with 5,578 approvals granted.
Olumide noted that the state’s 60-day planning permit amnesty programme significantly improved compliance among property owners and developers.

On reforms in permit processing, he said the state government introduced the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (e-PPPS) to simplify and modernise permit applications.
“The platform enables applicants to process planning permit applications online from any location, thereby improving transparency, accessibility, efficiency, accountability, and ease of doing business,” he stated.
The ministry further disclosed that Lagos completed major urban planning projects during the review period, including the Lagos Island Model City Plan, Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the revised Badagry Master Plan.

Olumide said the government remained committed to building a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive city through improved urban planning and stronger regulatory enforcement.
“We recorded significant improvements in planning permit submissions and approvals as more residents and developers embraced regulatory compliance and permit regularisation initiatives introduced by the government,” he added.
The Lagos State Government also defended the cost of building permits in the state, insisting that ongoing infrastructure projects across Lagos have significantly increased property values and improved living conditions.

Responding to concerns over the perceived high cost of permits, Olumide argued that every part of Lagos was currently benefitting from one infrastructure project or another under the Sanwo-Olu administration.
“Regarding the high cost of permits, I disagree. Mention any area in Lagos that is not witnessing one infrastructure project or another. There is virtually no part of Lagos where the governor is not carrying out developmental projects,” he said.
He maintained that government investments in roads and critical infrastructure have substantially enhanced property values across the state.

  

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Lagosians Will Soon Start Paying Rent Monthly And Quarterly - Commissioner For Housing

The Lagos State Government has said plans are being finalised to introduce a monthly and quarterly rent payment system aimed at reducing the financial

burden of annual rent on residents, especially low-income earners.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the third year of

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Akinderu-Fatai said the initiative was conceived following the success of the state’s rent-to-own housing policy, which allows beneficiaries to make an

initial five per cent payment and spread the balance over 10 years.

According to him, “Lagos State Government introduced a rent-to-own scheme that allows tenants to own their homes by paying an initial five per cent and

then spreading payments over 10 years.”

The commissioner explained that the government was looking beyond home ownership to ease rental pressures on Lagos residents through a more flexible payment

structure.

“The success of this initiative encouraged the need to promote the implementation of monthly and quarterly rent to provide succour to rent seekers,” he

said.

He added, “This will replace the burden of yearly rent payment, especially for low-income earners.”

Akinderu-Fatai, however, noted that certain challenges were still delaying the rollout of the policy.

“Factors impeding the take-off of this initiative are being examined with the engagement of all direct and indirect stakeholders in the real estate business,”

he said.

The commissioner nevertheless assured Lagos residents that the government remained committed to implementing the scheme.

“I want to use this medium to reaffirm the state government’s commitment to this programme and that plans are being perfected to effect the pilot phase

of this initiative,” he stated.

The proposed rent payment structure comes amid rising housing pressure in Lagos, which the commissioner described as the epicentre of Nigeria’s housing

demand due to rapid urban migration and population growth.

  

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Power Outage: Lagos To Boost Independent Power Market With 2,000MW

Lagos State Government has said that it is developing an independent electricity market to end persistent blackouts in the state. The state’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, who disclosed this during the 2026 media briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, said the state had commenced aggressive reform toward strengthening regulation, expanding embedded generation and creating an investor-friendly electricity market to support a stable electricity supply.

Earlier, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said stable power supply remained critical to industrialisation and economic transformation. Ogunleye said Lagos was targeting an additional 2,000 megawatts through partnership with private investors and other market operators, while advancing a market structure designed to eliminate the single buyer model and encourage participation.

According to him, the state had updated its integrated resource plan and was implementing policies aligned with international electricity market standards. He said the state had strengthened licensing frameworks, consumer complaint mechanisms and enforcement procedures through the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, while also pursuing a 100 per cent metering policy.

Ogunleye, who also hinted that the state would soon announce floating power barges as part of plans to expand electricity capacity within six to 12 months, said the state, in partnership with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA), was expanding grid infrastructure, mini-grids and solar systems across underserved communities.

He, however, said that several transformers had been installed across the state, while damaged electricity infrastructure in Ilashe and neighbouring communities had been rehabilitated.

The commissioner also disclosed that Gbagada General Hospital was being connected directly to TCN to guarantee between 21 and 22 hours of electricity supply daily. He denied the reports that residents would require permits before installing solar systems. “For the umpteenth time, let me repeat, nobody in this state administration authorised anyone to say that if you want to install solar, you must get a Lagos State permit,” he said.

  

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Lagos Moves To Ensure Fairness And Transparency In Development And Building Control

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the state government is committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of planning laws, maintaining that no more arbitrariness in planning approval.

Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee, Sanwo-Olu observed that every day, developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and other construction professionals navigate the planning approvals and regulatory decisions that shape how this state grows.

Noting that a government that regulates without providing for review is a government that has placed itself beyond accountability, he noted that: “For the most part, that process works. But no system administered by human beings is infallible, and where decisions can be wrong, there must also be a pathway for redress.

“Today, Section 79 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law moves from text on a page into a living institution. That institution is this Committee. And with this inauguration, we make a clear structural commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of our planning laws.

“The physical planning system in Lagos operates through two key regulatory agencies: the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, responsible for granting and regulating development permits; and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, responsible for monitoring construction activities and enforcing compliance with safety standards.

These agencies discharge essential and often difficult responsibilities, and they do so under real pressure in one of the world’s most demanding urban environments.

“But no regulatory system, however well-intentioned, can be immune from error. Planning decisions involve complex judgements, on land use, density, setbacks, structural safety, change of use, and demolition. These decisions affect people’s investments, livelihoods, and communities.

“It is therefore, right and necessary, to have an independent body to which any aggrieved developer, professional, property owner, or institution may turn when they believe a decision has been made unfairly, incorrectly, or without due regard to their rights.

“That body is this Committee. Under Section 82 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, this Appeals Committee has the statutory authority to investigate and decide on matters relating to planning permit applications, development plans and layouts,

Changes of use, approvals-in-principle, demolition orders, the conduct of planning and building control officials, and the service of regulatory notices. It may call for documents, summon witnesses, and consult the full body of physical planning law and regulations in the state. Its orders are binding, the law requires that relevant agencies enforce them, just as they would enforce orders of the High Court.

“This is a significant mandate. I want the members of this Committee, and the public, to understand what this means in practice. If a developer submits a permit application and believes the refusal was unjustified, there is now a formal, independent forum for review. If a property owner receives a demolition notice and disputes its basis, they have 28 days in which to appeal and have that decision examined.

“If a building professional believes a regulatory officer acted improperly, this Committee is empowered to investigate that conduct. These are not trivial powers; they are the mechanisms through which public confidence in our planning system is either built or eroded.

“I am also conscious that the building safety challenge in Lagos is real and serious. The incidents of building collapse that have claimed lives in our state and others across Nigeria are a reminder that the purpose of building regulation is not bureaucratic formality; it is the preservation of human life.

“This Appeals Committee must therefore operate with a clear understanding of that context. The right to appeal a regulatory decision is a fundamental protection, but it is not a mechanism to circumvent safety. When the evidence supports the regulatory action of an agency, this Committee must say so clearly and firmly.”

  

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Lagos Begins Telecom Infrastructure Cleanup For Urban Safety And Aesthetics

The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), with the support of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has announced the commencement of a pilot cleanup exercise targeting telecommunications infrastructure across the state.

The exercise is scheduled to begin at Emina Crescent Junction on Toyin Street, Lagos.

According to the organisers, the initiative requires the active participation of major industry stakeholders, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and cable infrastructure providers.

Technical teams from the various organisations have been directed to be present at the designated location by 9:00 a.m. for the commencement of the exercise.

Chairman of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Cleanup Committee, Mr Segun Okuneye, stressed that safety would remain a top priority throughout the operation.

THe directed all participating technical personnel to wear appropriate safety gear and strictly adhere to operational safety procedures to prevent accidents during the cleanup exercise.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing challenge of indiscriminate telecommunications infrastructure deployment across Lagos.

According to the organisers, the key objectives of the exercise include improving environmental sanitation by removing redundant and damaged cables, enhancing public safety by addressing the risks posed by dangling wires and poorly maintained equipment and promoting orderly infrastructure deployment to support organised telecommunications growth in the state.

“Telecommunications operators remain committed to maintaining the aesthetics of Lagos State and supporting initiatives that promote a cleaner, safer and more organised environment,” the committee stated.

Speaking on behalf of the ATCON Cleanup Committee, Mr Ajibola Olude urged stakeholders and residents to cooperate fully with officials participating in the exercise.

He described the pilot scheme as a major step towards achieving a more sustainable and visually appealing smart city infrastructure for Lagos.

 

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FG Announces Partial Closure Of Ikorodu-Sagamu Road For Repair Works

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced partial closure of sections of the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road from Monday to facilitate the completion of ongoing reconstruction works.

The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Mr Olayiwola Komolafe, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

He said the closure followed a directive by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, ordering the contractor, Messrs Arab Contractors, to resume work on critical sections of the highway to ensure prompt delivery of the project.

According to Komolafe, the affected sections are the stretch from Ikorodu Roundabout to Sabo Junction in Lagos, and from Cement to Coca-Cola inward Sagamu.

Komolafe said that traffic from Ikorodu to Sagamu would be diverted through the construction corridors under a counterflow arrangement.

He said the construction would last for three months to allow the execution of works and curing of the rigid pavement.

The controller said that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be deployed to manage traffic during the period specially.

He appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic managers and law enforcement officers.

Komolafe said the ministry regretted any inconvenience the reconstruction work might cause to road users.

NAN

  

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Lagos House Of Reps Member Oke-Joe Accused Of Sidelining Yorubas In Empowerment Programmes, In Favour Of Igbos

The Federal House of Representatives Member representing Oshodi-Isolo II, Lagos State, Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, has come under intense criticism after publishing the list of people in his constituency who have benefitted from his empowerment scheme.

Onuakalusi, a non-native and non-Yoruba, who got elected on the platform of Labour Party in 2023, is accused of empowering people of his Igbo ethnicity, while sidelining the Yoruba indigenes.

According to the allegation, his programmes sponsored 20 participants to China to study cyber Security , food processing, and artificial intelligence, among others. Another programme sent nine participants to South Africa to study nursing and diabetic care. It is alleged that, of the 29 participants, 24 are Igbos while the Yoruba participants are five.

Social media users have also questioned the authenticity of the Yoruba names, highlighting that some appeared to be poorly constructed or fabricated with AI. They specifically pointed to the inclusion of "Samuel Ajayi Crowther"—the name of the 19th-century missionary—as evidence that the list was not legitimate, alleging it was generated by AI.

The lopsidedness in the empowerment scheme has generated outrage from social media users, who lamented that Yoruba youths are being sidelined in their own state by a non-native in political power.

Reacting, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State, Wale Ajetunmobi, rubbished the empowerment scheme, with a post on X, saying, “This is utterly abominable. Marginalisation is not an accurate word to describe this; it’s outright ostracism. Haaa… a ti gba àbọ̀dè fun’ra wa.”

Sanwo-Olu’s aide also slammed a comment justifying the scheme, which claimed that the non-Yoruba majority favoured in the scheme deserved it because they are also Nigerians.

Ajetunmobi said, “So, the lopsided empowerment is fair game to you? You sick people are usually loud in criticising Tinubu for appointing Yoruba people to Federal positions but conveniently forget that the president has been appointing Nigerians. Now, a non-native Reps used resources meant for a Yoruba constituency to substantially empower his own kinsmen. Then, the beneficiaries suddenly became ‘Nigerians’. You silly idiots shift narrative conveniently just to look good before those marginalising your kinsmen in your land. O tin shiere.”

Say no to tribalism – Rep Onuakalusi

Also reacting, popular blogger, Japhet Omojuwa, described lawmaker Onuakalusi’s action as discrimination and a slap on his constituents.

@Omojuwa said, “This is a self-indicting post and a big slap on your constituency. That you didn’t even have enough self-awareness, to post this makes me wonder what other forms of latent and blatant discrimination are going on against the people you were voted to represent.”

  

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