Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday embarked on an unscheduled five-hour inspection tour of several coastal communities, warning property developers against violating planning regulations along the state’s riverine corridor.

The governor, accompanied by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State Executive Council, visited Ibeshe, Kare, Inagbe, and Ilashe to assess the state of development in the areas.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu expressed concern over the growing number of “disjointed buildings” constructed in defiance of safety standards and approved planning setbacks.

“We are determined to restore order and sanity to these communities. What we have seen here is massive abuse of planning approvals and a blatant disregard for setback regulations along the oceanfront. Many developers have extended their projects beyond approved limits, in direct violation of safety laws,” the governor said.

He disclosed that officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, would conduct a comprehensive audit of all identified infractions. Findings from the exercise, he added, would guide the government’s final actions.

“Our decision will include how to regularise developments, grant titles, and ensure that locals are not unfairly displaced. We want to rejuvenate these communities and unlock their tourism potential, while making sure that the government enables sustainable opportunities,” Sanwo-Olu noted.

During the tour, the governor also inspected a newly built 30-megavolt-ampere electricity station in Ilashe, constructed by the state government. He officially handed over the facility to EKO Disco with a directive to connect the host communities to the national grid.

“This entire stretch of coastal communities represents a vital future that must be preserved. We have met with traditional rulers to share our plans, and we are committed to addressing environmental and infrastructural challenges in these areas,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Issuing a stern warning to errant developers, the governor made it clear that the government would take corrective action where necessary.

“This is a cautionary message to those who have breached planning regulations along the coastline. The government will intervene, and we will implement a win-win solution that prioritises safety, order, and sustainable development,” he said.