The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is working towards achieving 40,000 building approvals annually.
According to Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, the ministry processed around 18,000 planning permit applications in 2024, but needs to double this figure to meet the state’s development goals. “Our assessment shows that Lagos should be issuing between 40,000 and 45,000 planning permits annually,” Oluyinka said.
The ministry has intensified public engagement to increase compliance with building planning permit regulations. Oluyinka emphasized the importance of obtaining planning permits, likening it to a birth certificate for buildings, which confers legal recognition on any development and provides the government with reliable data for fiscal and infrastructural planning. “Just as every child receives a birth certificate, every building in Lagos must have a planning permit,” he said.
To make the process more efficient, the state has 57 district offices where residents can submit applications without using intermediaries. Oluyinka assured that once documents are complete, applicants receive a registration number immediately, and approval is granted within 10 working days. “If you present a property document without a planning permit to a bank or embassy, it is invalid. The permit protects you, your family, and your investment,” he added.
The commissioner warned against erecting buildings without approval, stating that such structures risk heavy penalties and demolition. “Without it, the structure is not recognised by law, and compensation cannot be paid if the government needs the land for infrastructure projects,” Oluyinka said. The ministry is also collaborating with federal tax authorities to streamline requirements and encourage compliance among prospective developers.
The ministry is organizing a week-long stakeholders’ engagement, including debates and interactive sessions with school children, professional town planners, architects, engineers, surveyors, estate developers, and market leaders. The theme of the engagement is “Planning Permit: A Rebirth,” scheduled for September 26.
The Lagos State Government is committed to transparent and efficient service delivery, engaging stakeholders to address bottlenecks and improve turnaround time. Oluyinka urged residents to view the permit process as an investment in safety and legality, noting that it enhances the value and bankability of property.
