News
Lagos To Enforce Against Dangerous Occupancy Of Uncompleted Buildings
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), has raised concerns over the increasing trend of residents and occupants living in buildings that are still under construction.
This issue was raised by the Director of Monitoring and Compliance of LASPPPA, Olarinde Iyiola, who expressed this concern recently during the Authority’s routine weekly enforcement exercise carried out by officials of the Monitoring and Compliance Unit.
During the enforcement exercise, Iyiola noted that the Monitoring and Compliance officers of LASPPPA encountered resistance from some property occupants who attempted to prevent their buildings from being sealed, claiming they currently reside on-site.
He observed that most of these properties were not only under construction but also lacked the necessary permits and approvals required for lawful habitation.
Risks associated with occupying unfinished buildings
Iyiola emphasized the grave dangers of residing in unfinished structures to include falling debris, unstable scaffolding, and exposed electrical wiring, among others.
He warned, “Living in a building under construction exposes individuals to serious safety risks, including falling debris, unstable scaffolding, exposed electrical wiring, and the potential for slips, trips, and falls.’’
According to him, such environments are particularly hazardous to children who may unknowingly interact with dangerous tools or unsecured materials.
He added that early occupancy also undermines the structural integrity and timeline of the construction process, leading to delays and increased project costs.
Iyiola advised prospective tenants to prioritise safety by renting only completed and certified buildings.
He further urged developers and property owners to ensure that their buildings are fully completed and inspected before opening them to be occupied.
He stated, “This behaviour not only endangers lives but also contravenes the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law. Any attempt to occupy or rent out uncompleted structures is a violation that will be met with appropriate legal sanctions.’’
He reiterated LASPPPA’s commitment to enforcing compliance across the state in a bid to promote orderly development, enhance safety, and maintain the integrity of the built environment.
The Authority also called on community leaders, estate developers, and landlords to support government efforts by discouraging illegal occupation and encouraging compliance with all physical planning and building regulations.
What you should know
In a related development, the Lagos State Government had, some years ago, banned occupation of abandoned buildings and properties under construction, in a move to tackle insecurity, adding that it clearly understands the danger posed by the likely spread of the “ugly situation” in Nigeria.
The government highlighted how social miscreants continued to convert abandoned buildings and project sites to their bases, from where they attack residents.
It urged owners and developers of uncompleted or existing buildings to always ensure their properties were in proper environmental conditions.
Nairametrics.com
The trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was on Monday stalled after two co-defendants failed to appear before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is standing trial on charges of alleged abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was present in court for the proceedings.
The former governor arrived at the court alongside officials of the ICPC, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and police personnel.
However, the court could not proceed with the case due to the absence of the two co-defendants, leading to an adjournment.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 28, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him, while prosecutors allege that public funds were improperly released for projects that were either not executed or were irregularly handled during his tenure as governor.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), and three other political parties.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, also directed that the order apply to the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The ruling stemmed from a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
In the suit, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to deregister political parties that fail to meet the performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations.
According to the former legislators, the five political parties had consistently failed to meet the required constitutional benchmarks. These include winning at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.
They further told the court that the ADC and the four other parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure seats across key tiers of government. The plaintiffs argued that the continued recognition of the parties is unlawful and undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
On that basis, they urged the court to declare that INEC is duty-bound to deregister such parties and compel the commission to do so before preparations for the 2027 elections progress further. They also sought, and obtained, an order restraining the affected parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities such as campaigns, rallies, and primaries.
Additionally, the suit sought an injunction barring INEC from recognizing or dealing with the parties in any official capacity.
The Borno State Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday to commorate the first day of the Islamic Calender Year, 1448 after Hijira.
The year 1448 AH (Anno Hegirae) is the current year in the Islamic calendar.
Since the Hijri calendar is based on lunar cycles, it is approximately 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
As a result, the year 1448 AH overlaps parts of both the 2026 and 2027 Gregorian calendar years.
In a statement released on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar urged residents to use the period to rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existance and service to humanity and development.
The statement reads “This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, FNSE, has declared Tuesday 1st Day of Muharram 1448 After Hijira (AH), which is equivalent to Tuesday 16th June 2026 as a Public Holiday to commerate the first day of the Islamic Calender Year 1448 (AH).
“All citizens are therefore enjoined to be faithful and reflect on this important date and rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existance and service to humanity and development of our dear state in particular” he stated.
Tar also enjoined citizens to embrace the virtues of unity, solidarity, togetherness, tolerance, justice, mercy and multiculturalism that are essential to ensuring unity in diversity and unity of mankind.
“The Government and good people of Borno are committed to the unity, prosperity and existence of Nigeria, and to projecting Nigeria’s good image among the comity of nations in a globalised universe” he noted.
The commissioner said Governor Zulum enjoined the people of the state to pray for a peaceful, plural democratic entity, calling on all communities and faith groups to live in harmony and togetherness.
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