Governor Hands Over 30MVA Power Station, Promises Revamp of Riverine Tourism Corridor
In a decisive move to reclaim and regulate Lagos State’s scenic coastline, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday embarked on an unscheduled five-hour working tour of key riverine communities, vowing to take firm action against illegal developments encroaching on the State’s coastal corridor.
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and members of the Executive Council, the Governor visited Ibeshe, Kare, and Inagbe—coastal settlements bordering the popular Ilashe beach—where he surveyed a disturbing sprawl of unapproved beach houses and makeshift structures in violation of Lagos’ physical planning regulations.
Sanwo-Olu expressed deep concern over the unchecked construction and flagrant abuse of coastal safety setbacks, warning that the government would return for a full enumeration of all violations.
“There has been a lot of abuse of physical planning approvals and complete disregard for approved ocean setback lines,” the Governor said. “We are bringing order, sanity, and proper regulation to redefine livelihood in these communities. Government is not looking to displace people but to enforce standards and create a win-win solution that benefits everyone—locals and investors alike.”
The Governor disclosed that the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, along with the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), would return to the affected areas for a detailed inspection. Based on their findings, the government would determine which structures could be regularized, issued titles, or otherwise removed for violating environmental and planning laws.
Beyond regulatory enforcement, Sanwo-Olu used the visit to assess infrastructure needs and officially handed over a newly built 30 megavolt-ampere (MVA) electricity substation in Ilashe to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). The project aims to connect riverine communities to the national power grid for the first time, enabling residents and businesses to tap into the region’s tourism-driven economy.
“We’ve moved across communities on both the lagoon and ocean sides,” the Governor said. “This whole stretch represents the future of tourism and sustainable development for Lagos. The new power infrastructure will open up opportunities for growth and improve the lives of people here.”
He also noted that the government is working on improving healthcare access and security across the region, engaging traditional rulers and local stakeholders in its revitalization plans.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the State’s commitment to transforming the coastline into a well-regulated, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant zone, reiterating that the days of unregulated expansion are over.
“This is our note of caution to those who have done things wrongly—Government will correct it,” he warned. “We’re committed to working with the communities to build a future that preserves our environment, respects planning laws, and unlocks the full tourism potential of Lagos’ coastal assets.”