Press Releases

No Embargo On Issuance Of Development Permits - Fashola

Oct 7, 2008 - Lagos State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Tuesday said that the state has not placed any embargo on the granting of development permits in the state pointing out that the state government is however insistent on strict adherence to town planning laws.

Governor Fashola who fielded questions from Airport Correspondents at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja on arrival from Abuja added that he has an understanding with banks on the issue following a meeting with them.

He stressed that the state wants the banks to be located where they can be easily reached and not in unexpected or hidden location which can make them susceptible to armed attacks.

He recalled an instance where a commercial bank was attacked about a month and half ago by armed robbers but could not get Police rescue efforts on time because of the unusual place it was located.

Governor Fashola added that the state would no longer tolerate any instance of violation of the masterplan of the state through conversion of residential buildings into offices.

While recalling his promises to the people about finding a lasting solution to the instances of collapsed building which became very pronounced around June 2007, he said the commitment to enforce town planning regulations remains central to efforts to solve the problem.

He explained that the present administration is keen on putting in place a process that involves meticulous planning and adherence to existing planning laws by the people as a solution to the problem of collapsed buildings.

Said he: “We owe the people a duty to ensure that residential houses stay residential .You cannot convert a residential area which has a dedicated area or planned supply of water and electricity into a commercial or industrial concern. It just would not work. Industries must run in industrial estates”

He informed that for those planning estates, especially in Lekki, the state is granting approvals and would continue to do so as it finalises the Lekki Masterplan.

He urged the people to go out on Saturday and exercise their franchise as all arrangements have been put to ensure security at the polling centres, promising that adequate announcements would be made by the relevant agencies as time goes on what the people are expected to do.

The Governor described the speculation about a possible loss of seats allocated to Lagos State in the House of Representatives as a result of the ongoing delineation of constituency as mere kite flying which would elicit serious reaction if taken any further.

He added that although the constitution is silent on constituency delineation such a process cannot be carried out without first determining the accurate population figure.

Said he : “Clearly, apart from offending policy of representation and equality of votes, you cannot begin to plan constituency delineation on disputed Census figures. What figures do you intend to use? Is it the figures the people say are not correct for which a tribunal has been inaugurated? You want to know how many people you want to represent before the number of seats is determined”.