Demolition & Compensation in Lagos: The New Rules Property Owners Must Know

Lagos State has outlined conditions under which owners of properties affected by right-of-way (RoW) projects may qualify for compensation, aiming to reduce confusion as infrastructure works expand. 

A central requirement is proof of proper approvals, especially a valid planning permit, before any payout is considered. Authorities have also highlighted a move toward online processing to speed up permit verification and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.

The policy matters because Lagos is accelerating drainage, road, and waterway projects to tackle flooding and decongest traffic. In recent clearances near waterways and setback zones, homeowners have sought clarity on what constitutes eligibility, documentation, and timelines. 

The state’s stance is that compliance comes first: properties built within approved guidelines have a stronger claim, while encroachments on setbacks, canals, and RoW corridors face removal without compensation.

For homeowners, the practical steps are to gather title documents, permits, survey plans, and photographic evidence of compliance. For developers, the takeaway is to treat permitting as a non-negotiable project cost, cutting corners can be financially catastrophic.

 Transparency will be key: publishing clear checklists, timelines, and appeal channels can improve trust and reduce disputes.

Ultimately, Lagos needs both resilient infrastructure and predictable property rights. Clear compensation rules, backed by consistent enforcement, can help the state build at scale while giving compliant owners a fair pathway to redress when projects intersect with private property.