Lagos Reads Riot Act Over Building Permits, Digitises Physical Planning Process

Lagos State government has commenced full implementation of its Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS), ending manual processing of building approvals across the state.

The special adviser to the governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, who stated this at a press conference held on Friday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, affirmed that all manual planning permit processes have been discontinued and are now illegal.

Babatunde explained that the EPPPS is a web-based platform developed to modernise physical planning operations, improve transparency and enhance service delivery.

According to him, the system is fully operational, with all relevant personnel trained and computer systems deployed across district offices of agencies such as the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

He noted that the transition to digital processing took effect from April 1, 2026, and all applications for planning permits must now be submitted exclusively through the online platform.

According to him, beyond permit approvals, the system enables users to process Authorisation to commence construction works, obtain stage certifications and access other services seamlessly.

To enforce compliance, the government has constituted a task force to monitor adherence to the directive.

The initiative, Babatunde said, is part of broader reforms under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu aimed at creating a more efficient and investor-friendly environment in Lagos.

As part of the reforms, the government has also introduced the Certified Accredited Programme (CAP), a public-private partnership that allows certified professionals to collaborate with regulatory authorities in monitoring building projects and ensuring compliance with standards.

The move is expected to reduce incidents of building collapse and improve construction quality.

The state has also begun decentralising land administration services through the establishment of e-GIS regional offices. While the Ikeja office is already operational, new centres are planned for Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu to bring services closer to residents.

Babatunde further disclosed that the government is deploying advanced digital tools, including Aumentum Software, to drive end-to-end digitisation of land administration processes such as the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

He added that the integration of Moola Tracker with Aumentum has simplified mortgage consent processing, cutting the procedure from 29 steps to eight without increasing statutory fees.

Reiterating the government’s position, Babatunde stressed that the reforms do not introduce new charges but are designed to eliminate delays, reduce bureaucracy, and improve the ease of doing business.

He urged residents, developers, and financial institutions to comply with the new digital processes, warning that any attempt to bypass the system or revert to manual procedures would be treated as illegal.

He said the state government remains committed to building a smarter, safer, and more prosperous Lagos through technology-driven governance.