Lagos Govt tasks residents on planning permits
The Lagos State Government has urged residents to obtain planning permits before developing their properties.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, made the appeal during a public awareness programme organised on Thursday in Ojo.
The programme was organised by the ministry and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority for residents, community leaders, and other stakeholders in Ojo, Badagry, Iba, Oto-Awori, Amuwo-Odofin, Oriade, and Olorunda districts.
Olumide said the programme was part of the ministry’s regular engagements to educate the public on the requirements and benefits of obtaining planning permits.
“The benefit of having a permit is, first, that it is the law. Laws are made to guide and regulate activities and people should not go against them.
“It also helps to ensure that buildings are properly constructed and safe. In the event of a collapse, it affects both the people and the government.
“As a responsible government, one of our key duties is to protect lives and property,” he said.
He added that having a planning permit increases the value of a property and makes it easier for owners to access loans or present their property for embassy verification.
Olumide warned that property owners who fail to obtain a permit would face penalties.
“If a property is developed without approval, even if it meets planning standards, the penalty is four times higher than the normal charge.
“In some cases, if the building is found to be unsuitable, it could be demolished,” he added.
He advised residents to desist from offering bribes to ministry officials rather follow due process, assuring them that staff had been trained to handle duties with professionalism.
According to him, the process of obtaining a planning permit in Lagos takes just 10 working days once all requirements are met.
Responding to calls for an extension of the planning permit amnesty, Olumide noted that the last amnesty, granted by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ran from May 1 to Dec. 31, 2024.
He disclosed that a fresh request for an extension had been forwarded to the governor for consideration.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Mr Oluwole Sotire, said public participation was vital to achieving effective physical planning.
“Physical planning is about the environment and the environment is about the people.
“We want residents to understand why we enforce regulations; it is for their own good,” he said.
Sotire also responded to concerns about poor road conditions in Alaba.
He said that a committee had been set up to review previous demolitions and recommend improvements.
He urged residents to pay their taxes to help government fund projects.
“There is so much the government wants to do, but funds are limited. I urge everyone to pay their taxes to support development,” he said.
The President of Alaba International Market Association, Dr Camilus Amajuoyi, commended the government’s engagement with stakeholders and appealed to the governor to extend the amnesty period.
“Less than 30 per cent of buildings in Lagos have approvals.
“Extending the amnesty will give people a chance to regularise their properties and avoid demolition.
“I also call on the government to fix the Alaba road, as containers often fall there. We want the area to be upgraded to international standards,” he added.
NAN
