In a move aimed at safeguarding Lagos State’s physical development integrity, the Lagos State Government has announced the immediate suspension of all planning approvals along the corridor of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.
The directive, issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, stems from growing concerns that the ongoing construction of the federal coastal highway is disrupting existing and future urban development plans within the Ibeju-Lekki axis and adjoining communities.
Dr. Olumide, who made the announcement at a press briefing held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Alausa, stated that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, a major inter-state infrastructure being championed by the Federal Government, has already impacted the just-concluded Ode-Omi Action Area Plan, and poses serious risks to the integrity of ongoing efforts such as the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan and the Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan.
“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 goals of the state,” Olumide explained. “This will help forestall any further distortion now or in the nearest future.”
To mitigate further disruption, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has been directed to immediately halt all processing and issuance of planning permits along the affected corridor.
“This temporary measure will remain in effect until comprehensive reviews are completed and alignment with state development objectives is achieved,” the commissioner said, emphasizing that the move is not a cancellation of the coastal highway project, but rather a precautionary step to ensure proper coordination of land use planning and urban growth.
The suspension is expected to affect real estate developers, prospective landowners, and residents within Ibeju-Lekki and nearby areas, who are currently seeking planning approvals for new buildings or land developments.
Real estate analysts have already begun warning that the halt in approvals could trigger a slowdown in ongoing projects and pose uncertainty for investors in the fast-developing Lekki-Epe corridor—an area often referred to as Nigeria’s new economic hub due to the concentration of mega projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Dangote Refinery, and the proposed Lekki International Airport.
Speaking with our correspondent, urban planner and property analyst Gbenga Adeniran lauded the Lagos State Government’s decision as a “necessary intervention.”
“Proper city planning must always take precedence over unregulated development,” Adeniran said. “While the coastal road is a welcome infrastructure for national integration, it must not undermine the integrity of Lagos’s urban master plans.”
Despite the suspension, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to building a livable, inclusive, and sustainable environment that benefits both current and future residents.
“We understand the importance of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road to regional integration and economic growth,” Dr. Olumide said. “However, the state must ensure that its urban plans are not sacrificed in the process. This is why we’re acting decisively to align both efforts.”
He noted that once all necessary reviews are completed, planning approvals may resume, but only after a harmonization process that ensures infrastructure projects are executed in tandem with the state’s development blueprint.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is one of the Federal Government’s flagship projects designed to link Nigeria’s southwestern and southeastern coastal cities by a modern highway. While the project is expected to unlock enormous economic value, its construction has also drawn mixed reactions due to concerns about displacement, environmental impact, and poor coordination with state-level planning efforts.
Earlier in 2025, controversies emerged after businesses and private structures along the road’s alignment, especially in the Lekki-Ajah axis, were reportedly demolished with little prior notice—sparking legal challenges and public outrage.
Now, with the Lagos State Government’s latest move, stakeholders are calling for a more transparent and collaborative approach between federal and state authorities to avoid costly disruptions and ensure the project benefits all parties.
As the suspension order takes effect, experts are urging the government to fast-track its review of the coastal road’s impact and provide clarity to affected developers and communities. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on how Lagos will balance infrastructure growth with sustainable urban planning—without leaving residents and investors in the dark.