The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to residents against constructing illegal structures on walkways and erecting shanties along highways across the state, reiterating its resolve to enforce planning laws without compromise.
Authorities also cautioned against attacks on town planning officials during enforcement operations, stressing that any individual found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The warning was delivered by the General Manager of the Ogun State Planning Development and Permit Authority, Itunu Jolaoluwa, during a live broadcast of The Roundtable on Ogun State Television. The programme focused on the theme, “Building Right” in Ogun State.
Jolaoluwa emphasised that all building activities in Ogun State must strictly comply with existing planning regulations, noting that development control in the state is anchored on the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2022.
According to her, any development carried out without an approved planning permit remains illegal. She added that the erection of structures within road setbacks and rights of way, as well as the construction of shanties along highways and expressways, is expressly prohibited under the law.
The General Manager disclosed that the state government has streamlined the planning permit process to encourage compliance, explaining that approvals for residential developments are issued within seven days, while commercial permits are processed within fourteen days, provided all documentation and requirements are properly fulfilled.
She urged residents, property owners, and developers to engage the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Planning Development and Permit Authority, or the nearest zonal planning office for professional guidance before commencing any form of development.
Jolaoluwa further noted that compliance with planning regulations has improved significantly as a result of sustained public sensitisation by the ministry. She assured residents that enlightenment campaigns would be intensified to promote orderly development and prevent avoidable conflicts with enforcement agencies.