If you’re planning to build anything along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, there’s a new update you can’t afford to ignore. The Lagos State Government has just announced a temporary suspension of building permits in this rapidly developing corridor. Whether you’re a developer, a landowner, or someone interested in Lagos’s booming real estate, here’s what this means and how it could impact your plans.
🚧 Why the Suspension?
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, revealed that the decision was made to realign ongoing infrastructure projects with the state’s urban masterplans. This includes development blueprints like:
- Ode-Omi Action Area Plan
- Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan
- Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan
These plans are in various stages of implementation, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has the potential to disrupt or significantly alter their execution if not carefully integrated.
“As a result of the effects of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on our development plans, it is necessary to pause approvals in this axis to prevent distortion,” said Olumide.
🏗️ Who This Affects
This suspension affects all new planning and building approvals within the designated corridor of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a first-time builder:
- You cannot currently obtain a building permit for properties along this route.
- The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has been directed to enforce this policy.
For more background, read our guide to obtaining planning permits in Lagos.
🛣️ About the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
This massive 750-kilometre infrastructure project initiated by the Federal Government aims to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through states like Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
- Construction began in March 2024, starting from Ahmadu Bello Way and stretching 47.47km to Eleko.
- Section 2 spans 55km, running through the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Industrial Corridor.
While the project is a national one, its most active and disruptive construction phases are currently happening within Lagos State.
Stay updated on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway development here.
🧭 Why This Matters for Developers
Here’s why this update is a big deal for anyone in Lagos real estate:
1. Permits = Progress
If you can’t obtain a planning permit, you can’t legally begin or continue construction. This could lead to project delays, cost escalations, and missed market opportunities.
2. Plan Ahead
Developers who have land or interests in the affected zones should begin reassessing timelines and exploring interim investment options elsewhere in Lagos.
3. Legal Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
Building without a permit in Lagos can lead to hefty fines, project demolition, or denial of occupancy certificates in the future.
🔍 What to Do Next
If you’re already planning a project along the coastal highway corridor:
- Pause any submission to LASPPPA for now.
- Stay updated with new directives from the Ministry of Physical Planning.
- Consult a planning expert or real estate consultant to understand how this affects your specific location and timeline.
🏗️ Long-Term Outlook: A Better Organized Lagos
Though the suspension may seem like a roadblock now, it’s part of a larger strategy to create a structured and sustainable development environment in Lagos. Once the alignment issues are resolved, developers can expect:
- Faster approvals
- More coherent infrastructure access
- Higher ROI due to better planning
In short, it’s a short-term delay for a long-term win.
Final Thoughts
Urban development in Lagos is moving fast, but smart planning must take precedence. As a developer or property investor, staying informed about permits, zoning, and masterplans could save you millions in costs and delays.
