The Lagos State Government has reduced the minimum land size required for estate development from 10,000 square metres to 5,000 square metres, in a bid to address the state’s housing demand.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this during the maiden Quarterly Media Parley at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa.
Olumide explained that the decision reflects the realities of Lagos, where rapid population growth and urbanisation continue to increase demand for housing and planned estates.
He noted that some of the promoters of the 176 non-complying estates published in August had already approached the ministry to regularise their status, warning that enforcement would soon begin against those that had yet to comply.
> “Enforcement will commence soon on those in the list of 176 non-complying estates that have not come forward for regularisation,” he said.
The Commissioner added that the exercise would be extended to areas such as Ikorodu and Ikeja, while the ministry would also release specific guidelines for communities that had been unilaterally converted into estates.
Olumide stressed the importance of Lagos State’s Operative Development Plans, which align with ongoing major projects including the Blue and Red Rail Lines, flyovers, and highways. He listed completed initiatives such as the Alimosho, Kosofe, Lagos Island, and Badagry city plans, urging agencies and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the provisions.
On planning permits, Olumide said applications can now be approved within 10 days of payment, citing the creation of more district offices, improved staff motivation, and upcoming automation of the process.
The state government is also working to reclaim and transform informal spaces—particularly under power-line and gas-line corridors, as well as drainage setbacks—into structured developments such as parking zones to ease congestion.
According to him, more than 3,000 hectares of land have already been identified for this purpose.
