By ABIODUN LAWAL

The Ogun Government has unveiled new planning regulations and a building and construction code aimed at ensuring orderly, safe, and sustainable urban development across the state.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, disclosed this on Monday at a news conference in Abeokuta on Monday.

Odunlami said the new instruments, approved by the Ogun State House of Assembly, include five updated regulations and the Ogun State Building and Construction Code 2025.

The regulations are: Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Regulation 2025, Slum Regeneration Regulation 2025, Building Production Management Regulation 2025, Outdoor Physical Furniture Regulation 2025, and Layout and Land Subdivision Regulation 2025.

According to him, the building and construction code, derived from the National Building Code, is the first of its kind by any state in Nigeria.

“The approval of these documents represent a bold and necessary step toward ensuring that Ogun state remains orderly, safe, environmentally sustainable, and nationally recognised in physical planning and urban development,” he said.

Odunlami explained that the review became necessary due to rapid urbanisation and economic growth in the state, which he described as the fastest-growing subnational economy in Nigeria.

He attributed the development to the administration of Gov. Dapo Abiodun, whose policies, he said, have improved infrastructure, enhanced security and boosted investor confidence.

He stressed that compliance with the new regulations was mandatory, warning that violations would attract sanctions including penalties, demolition of illegal structures, and possible prosecution.

“As growth is desirable, unregulated development can result in poor urban living, informal settlements, building collapse and environmental degradation.

“Government has strengthened its agencies and improved planning permit processes to ensure efficient service delivery,” he said.

The commissioner added that an e-planning system have been introduced in six pilot zones—Isheri, Ota, Abeokuta Metro, Abeokuta Central, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode– to allow online submission of applications.

“This initiative is designed to make the planning permit process more transparent, accessible and efficient,” he said.

He also raised concerns over continued encroachment on road setbacks, describing it as illegal and a threat to safety, environmental quality and urban orderliness.

He listed affected corridors to include Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange highway, Sagamu-Benin expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta highway, Papalanto-Sagamu road, Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda road and Ogijo-Sagamu road.

He directed property owners along these routes to remove all unauthorised structures and activities within setback areas, warning that government would no longer tolerate violations.

Odunlami urged stakeholders, including developers, professionals and residents, to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and comply fully.

He emphasised that collective responsibility was essential to achieving a well-planned, safe and sustainable environment in the state. (NAN)