The Lagos State Government has announced an immediate suspension of planning approvals along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road corridor.
This decision was revealed in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, at Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Olumide, the move is aimed at addressing the significant impact the ongoing highway project is having on the state’s urban development initiatives.
“The suspension of planning approvals along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road was necessary to address the impacts of the project on the State’s Physical Development Plans in the area,” he said.
He explained that the project had disrupted several strategic plans including the recently completed Ode-Omi Action Area Plan and the ongoing Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan and Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan, all of which are at various stages of development.
“As a result of the effects of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on our Development Plans, it is germane to review the situation on ground and align it with the Development Plans to forestall any further distortion now or in the nearest future,” Olumide stated.
He further announced that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has been directed to enforce the suspension until further notice.
“In this connection, it is equally important to temporarily suspend Planning Approvals in the axis until further notice,” he added.
Despite the suspension, Olumide reaffirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining a well-structured and sustainable environment.
He said, “The Lagos State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to an organised, livable, inclusive, and sustainable built environment,” assuring that the state is poised to benefit from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway once alignment with development plans is achieved.