Efforts to improve urban order and tackle development-related conflicts in Lagos have led to the resolution of hundreds of physical planning disputes across the state within the past year.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Abiodun Olumide, disclosed this during the 2026 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing held on Friday as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Olumide revealed that the ministry resolved 399 disputes through mediation and enforcement measures carried out by its Technical Services Department.
According to him, the department received 987 petitions and complaints relating to development issues during the review period.
He explained that the cases involved issues such as blocked drainage systems, encroachment on roads and other violations connected to physical development across the state.
“On average, the ministry receives about 13 petitions daily from residents reporting different forms of development infractions,” he said.
The commissioner further stated that enforcement actions led to the demolition of 17 illegal structures, while 52 buildings were sealed for failing to comply with planning regulations.
He added that 519 petitions are still being investigated by the ministry.
Olumide noted that the ministry recorded a resolution rate of 47.76 per cent during the period under review, stressing that stronger mediation and conflict resolution efforts have helped reduce tensions associated with enforcement activities.
According to him, the ministry’s intervention has also eased the burden of litigation while improving public trust in the state’s physical planning system.
He said the Technical Services Department would continue to provide professional advisory support to government agencies, stakeholders and developers on planning-related matters.
The commissioner added that the department remains central to the ministry’s operations, bringing together professionals including town planners, architects, engineers, builders and surveyors to ensure orderly and sustainable urban development.
Authorities say the ministry will sustain enforcement and monitoring activities aimed at curbing illegal developments and improving compliance with planning regulations across Lagos State.