By Emeka Blast 
Lagos Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Estates in Key Areas, Gives 21 Days for Approval
In a statement signed by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry, the government identified prominent estates such as Adron Homes in Elerangbe, Aina Gold Estate in Okun-Folu, Diamond Estate in Eputu, Prime Water View Garden in Ikate-Elegushi, and Royal View Estate in Ikota among the 176 violators. “These estates have compromised the sustainable development ethos of Lagos by operating without approved layouts,” Sotire stated, emphasizing that unapproved developments strain infrastructure, exacerbate flooding, and undermine the state’s urban master plan. Developers are required to submit necessary documents to the Ministry’s Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, within 21 days, starting August 4, to process their approvals.
The move follows a comprehensive audit of housing estates across Lagos, prompted by rapid urban growth in Eti-Osa, Ajah, and Ibeju-Lekki, where unchecked development has led to environmental and infrastructural challenges. Sotire highlighted that layout approvals, issued by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), ensure compliance with zoning, safety, and planning regulations, taking approximately 28 days to process after final screening and payment. The government also urged developers to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) to enhance coordination and monitoring in the real estate sector.
The announcement has sparked widespread reactions. On X, @NaijaGist tweeted, “176 illegal estates in Lagos? Sanwo-Olu is cleaning house! But will developers comply in 21 days? #LagosSmartCity,” while @EagleEyeNG warned, “Buyers beware! Check estate approvals before investing. LASG means business.” Critics, like @TruthSeekerNG, expressed skepticism, posting, “Same LASG that allowed these estates to spring up now calls them illegal? Sounds like a shakedown.” Property buyers have been advised to verify estate approval status with LASPPPA to avoid financial losses, as thousands of subscribers face uncertainty over investments in these projects.
This is not the first such action by LASG. In April 2025, a special joint task force led by Commissioner Oluyinka Olumide cracked down on illegal estates in the Epe corridor, signaling a broader push to curb unregulated development. The current ultimatum affects high-profile estates like Walton Gate Estate in Ajah, Westwood Park Estate in Sangotedo, and Lekki Pride Estates 1, 2, and 3 in Ibeju-Lekki, among others. Failure to comply could lead to sealing off properties or prosecution, according to Mukaila Sanusi, who told BBC News Pidgin that non-compliance would result in “serious consequences.”
The crackdown aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to transform Lagos into a functional, orderly megacity, but it has raised concerns about its impact on investors and residents. Real estate expert Tunde Adeyemi told The OGAANEWS, “This is a wake-up call for developers, but the short deadline may overwhelm LASPPPA’s processing capacity.” Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has pledged to support the initiative, with Speaker Mudashiru Obasa calling for stricter enforcement to protect Lagos’ urban future.
