Lagos State Government grants over 37,000 planning permits in six years – Commissioner

 The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide revealed that the state government has granted over 37,000 planning permits in the last six years.

Dr Olumide disclosed this in Wednesday during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to commemorate the second year in office of the second term of the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Alausa, Ikeja.

According to him, “In the last six years, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has received a total of 57,347 applications for various types of developments, and we have granted 37,266 approvals within the same period.

“The approved projects ranged from residential to commercial and institutional developments, underscoring the state’s focus on balanced urban growth.”

He revealed that the approved developments in the past year alone included 95 hospitals, 27 petrol filling stations, 151 shopping malls, and 95 schools.

The Commissioner credited the administration’s streamlined processes, such as the establishment of additional District Offices, and an improved framework for Planning Permit processing.

In line with efforts to expand the coverage of planning approvals, the government introduced a 180-day Amnesty Program, an initiative designed to allow property owners and developers to regularize their buildings without incurring penalties for non-compliance.

He also shared the latest statistics regarding LASPPPA’s activities, revealing that during the Amnesty Program’s first phase, 4,877 applications were processed with 2,151 approvals granted. The second phase saw 6,402 applications, with 3,570 approvals, while the third phase culminated in 7,210 applications and 3,135 approvals.

The Commissioner further emphasised the strategic role of Lagos’ planning initiatives in positioning the city for growth and sustainability. “These efforts align with the vision of creating a sustainable smart city where the physical development of the state is managed efficiently and in compliance with modern urban planning standards,” he said.

Dr. Olumide also lauded the efforts of the ministry in enhancing regulatory compliance across the state, stating that 36 estates were monitored for compliance during the period under review.