The Lagos State government on Friday unveiled a digital platform, the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS), to tackle racketeering, corruption and other challenges in land administration across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who officially unveiled the system, described the initiative as a significant leap forward in managing land use, development and urban growth in Africa’s largest megacity.
The initiative developed by the state government, with support from technical partners, aims to digitise land administration, mapping, and data management.
“Our city has grown incredibly fast. With more people, more businesses, and more activities every day, it is clear that we need a smarter way to plan and manage our city. The old paper-based systems can no longer keep up with the speed, scale and transparency that a 21st-century megacity demands,” he said.
The governor noted that the new platform aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, particularly under Technology and Innovation, strengthening the state’s drive toward a modern, efficient public service.
“Through EPPPS, citizens, developers, and professionals in the built environment can now submit planning applications, upload building designs, and monitor application progress online from any location. The system is expected to improve transparency, reduce delays, minimise human interference and curb corruption within the planning process,” Sanwo-Olu said during the launch.
According to him, the platform will also provide accurate data to support urban management, infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring, ensuring that developments comply with Lagos’ master plan and safety standards.
“For citizens, this innovation means less stress, shorter queues, and faster approvals. It brings fairness and confidence, knowing that every application is treated on merit and every development meets environmental and safety requirements. This is how technology brings the government closer to the people,” he added.
Also, special adviser to the governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said the initiative will add value to land administration and management in the state.
“This is the future of Lagos. This is where we want to be, apart from the fact that it blocks loopholes, you understand, the government revenues that have been missing on a daily basis, just simply because of human intervention, we’re trying to block it. It also reduces your processing time.
“Above all, it also curbs corruption, from the side of those of us who are working inside the government and those working from outside. The systems are incorruptible because they give you real-time, real-life information that cannot easily be manipulated,” he said.
