The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing urban development regulations by insisting that property owners, developers, and residents must obtain proper planning permits before embarking on any building or development project within the State.
This renewed call was made by the General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, who emphasized that securing planning permits is not only important but also compulsory for all forms of construction across Lagos.
Osinaike explained that planning permits are vital to ensuring orderly physical development in line with the Lagos State Master Plan, which guides the integration of residential, commercial, industrial, educational, and transportation facilities into a coherent urban system.
“Planning permits help balance the development of homes, businesses, schools, health centres, religious facilities, and roads. They are key to avoiding haphazard construction and ensuring that buildings are sited in appropriate and legally approved locations,” Osinaike stated.
He further stressed that beyond regulatory compliance, obtaining a planning permit enhances the value of properties, supports sustainability, and protects buyers and residents from potential legal and structural issues.
Echoing this position, the Head of the Monitoring and Compliance Unit (MCU) at LASPPPA, Mr. Olarinde Iyiola, said planning permits serve as a safeguard against substandard construction and environmental hazards. He pointed out that properly permitted buildings are more likely to meet safety standards and enjoy better market credibility.
“Structures with valid planning approvals typically have fewer legal disputes, higher quality, and improved resale value because they assure compliance with zoning and building regulations,” Iyiola noted.
LASPPPA officials reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce compliance across the state and encouraged all stakeholders to act responsibly by securing permits before initiating any building activity. This, they said, is consistent with the government’s agenda for sustainable urban development and public safety.
In a related development, the Lagos State Government had earlier announced a 3-month amnesty window for property owners with completed buildings lacking planning permits.
The initiative, which runs from May 2 to July 30, 2024, was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire. According to him, the amnesty allows affected property owners to obtain or perfect their building approvals without paying the usual statutory penalties for prior non-compliance.
“The goal is to bring more buildings into the legal planning framework, thereby reducing the number of unapproved structures and encouraging property owners to regularise their developments,” Sotire stated.
The government urged residents to take advantage of this opportunity, warning that enforcement would be intensified after the expiration of the amnesty period.
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