The Edo State Government via the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development has sealed outlet shops situated along Ugbor Road off Adesuwa Road, Government Reservation Area in Benin City.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Mrs Isoken Omo, represented by TPL. Badmus Nojeem, the Area Planning Officer (APO) in the Ministry frowned at the persistent attributes of turning the frontage of the residential buildings in the area to retail outlet without seeking the expressive permission for appropriate approval.
She reminded that they were served notices prior the sealing of the retail outlets, but they neglect the notifications which has long expired. Hence, the sealing of the unapproved retail outlets along the busing road in the Government Reservation Area in Benin City.
Hon. Isoken warned the occupants who are using the outlet for different sorts of business against tampering with the sealed and requested forthwith the onward submission of their approved building extension (if any) for authentication or invariably submit the working drawing to the Ministry or seek approval for the current use for considerations.
The Commissioner added that the actions of the properties owners are a very serious contravention and breach of Urban and Regional Planning Act No, 88 and other Extant Planning Laws of Edo State of Nigeria.
Upon failures to comply with the directives, the Edo State Government via the Ministry shall proceed to enforce the provisions of the Extant Town Planning Laws of Edo State against all the retail shops along the Ugbor Road without delays and the cost of such action shall be recover from them in the Law court of competent jurisdiction.
Some of the property’s owner in the area, however, voiced their willingness to follow the state rules and regulations on Planning, approval and building construction.
Last modified: June 24, 2023
