The Lagos State Government has denied a statement about its recent building permit policy. Contrary to some online reports, the government said it has not revoked all existing building permits.
Oloye Olusegun, Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Building Control Agency, explained that the state has instead introduced an amnesty program. This initiative, running from May 2 to July 30, 2024, offers property owners a three-month window to obtain or perfect their planning permits without incurring the usual statutory penalties.
The clarification comes in response to a misleading headline in an online news outlet that incorrectly stated the government had revoked all existing building permits. The state government emphasized the importance of accurate reporting on this matter to avoid confusion among property owners and stakeholders in the construction sector.
Olusegun said, “It should be noted that the issuance of a Planning Permit is the prerogative of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA, which is under the supervision of the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.0:00 / 0:00
“The directive issued by the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, was that Letters of Authorisation to commence construction, issued by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, needed to be revalidated because most developers, after obtaining the letter to commence construction, fall short of engaging all relevant professionals in the building projects.”
According to him, the revalidation was to allow for a proper audit and authentication of all the professionals in the Lagos built industry.
“Dr Babatunde also disclosed that buildings under construction that had been abandoned for a long time needed to be re-certified before recommencement of construction to ascertain the structural stability of the building project.
“He directed that henceforth, nobody should sleep in buildings undergoing construction, all construction work should not go beyond 7 pm every day, and there should be no building construction work on Sundays.” Olusegun said