By: Tijani Salako.

In a bid to strengthen environmental standards, the Lagos State Government, under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has moved to reinforce its collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos State Chapter, in order to ensure adherence to planning processes and promote orderly, safe, and sustainable development across the State.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, through the Chief Public Affairs Officer, Adetola Kehinde-Akinsanya, while receiving members of the Institute during a courtesy visit to the Ministry earlier this week at the State capital, Ikeja.

The Commissioner, Dr. Olumide, explained that the State Government’s focus is on proactive physical planning measures, stressing that effective development control begins with strict adherence to approved layouts, building plans, and professional standards at the earliest stages of construction.

He maintained that compliance with planning regulations remains the most effective safeguard against structural failure, linking failures in development outcomes to compromised planning standards, substandard designs, excessive client interference, political pressures, and human error.

According to the Commissioner, “Developments carried out without due regard to physical planning approvals and supervision by qualified professionals pose serious risks to lives, property, and the physical environment.

Dr. Olumide further stated that “any construction site operating without the engagement of registered and competent building professionals should not be allowed to proceed, adding that the Ministry would continue to insist on professionalism and planning discipline across the State.”

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, harps on the importance of sustained public awareness on planning laws and regulations, said that the government is open to deeper collaboration with professional bodies to strengthen compliance and enforcement, as early adherence to physical planning requirements would significantly reduce avoidable losses and wastage of resources.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Tpl. Daisi Oso, highlighted the need for developers to embrace proper planning, land-use conformity, and strict adherence to approvals in order to significantly reduce development failures and promote a more orderly physical environment.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Institute of Building, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Bldr. Owolabi Rasheed Ayoola, stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as a critical stakeholder in the built environment.

He added that the Institute also used the opportunity to congratulate the Commissioner on his recent awards, describing them as recognition of his contributions to the sector.

A veteran member of the delegation, Bldr. Kunle Awobodu, assured of the Institute’s continued support for efforts toward promoting professionalism and compliance in the sector., noting that non-compliance with approved building plans remains a major challenge within the building construction industry, while praising the Ministry for making positive impacts in entrenching planning discipline.