The Kwara State Geographic Information Services (KWGIS) has reiterated the need for individuals and agencies to secure proper land use approvals before embarking on any development project in the state.

KWGIS Executive Chairman, ESV AbdulKareem Babatunde Sulyman, issued the warning in a statement signed and issued by
Abdulrazaq Yusuf
Press Secretary, KWGIS
on Saturday, stressing that compliance with physical development laws is mandatory.

“This is a basic thing. Where people or agencies of government overlook or neglect such basic requirements of physical development law, we have a duty to not just stop them but to also impose appropriate fines,” he said.

He cited the case of The Pavilion, an urban development project under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, which commenced construction without obtaining the necessary approvals.

“All government projects, whether local, state, or federal, must follow due process. This has not been done for The Pavilion project. We have accordingly directed workers on site to do the appropriate thing before resuming work,” Sulyman added.

He emphasized that development control measures are in place to regulate construction activities and ensure public safety, noting that KWGIS will be held accountable if any unauthorized structure collapses in the future.

In enforcing compliance, KWGIS has sealed off Peace Pharmaceutical along Asa Dam bypass and HRA along Lubcon Road for carrying out large-scale construction activities without approvals. The developers have been directed to fulfill the necessary legal requirements before continuing work.

The agency also noted that it has been running enlightenment campaigns on radio to educate the public about land use regulations and compliance procedures.