The Lagos State Government has reduced the minimum land size required for estate development from 10,000 square metres to 5,000 square metres.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, during the maiden edition of the Quarterly Media Parley held at the ministry’s conference room in Alausa.

Olumide explained that the adjustment reflects current realities in Lagos, where rapid population growth and urbanisation are driving increased demand for housing and estate developments.

He noted that some promoters of the 176 estates recently flagged for non-compliance have approached the ministry to regularise their status. However, enforcement will soon begin on others that fail to comply.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the regulatory exercise would be extended to more parts of the state, including Ikorodu and Ikeja. He further revealed that new guidelines would be introduced for communities that had been converted to estates without due process.

Highlighting the importance of the state’s Operative Development Plans, Olumide pointed out that major projects such as the Blue and Red Rail Lines, flyovers, and highways are integrated into these plans. He added that the state had successfully completed the Alimosho Model City Plan, Kosofe Model City Plan, Lagos Island Model City Plan, and the Badagry Master Plan, urging stakeholders to comply with the provisions of these frameworks.

He also stressed the ministry’s efforts to strengthen capacity for specialised projects, including seaports, airports, and highways, while commending the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency for exceeding expectations in granting planning permits. According to him, the permit process has been simplified, allowing applicants to obtain approvals within 10 days of payment, aided by more district offices, staff motivation, and sensitisation initiatives. Plans are also underway to fully automate the process.

Olumide further disclosed that the government is working to reclaim and redesign underutilised spaces across Lagos, particularly along power-line and gas-line corridors as well as drainage setbacks. Over 3,000 hectares of land have been identified for structured developments such as parking zones to help ease congestion in high-density areas.