Lagos Promises Building Approvals Within 10 Working Days

Lagos State has pledged to issue planning permits within 10 working days once applicants meet all requirements, in a move aimed at improving efficiency and restoring investor confidence in the state’s real estate sector.

The assurance was given by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, during a briefing on the “State of the Environment” in Lagos on Wednesday. He noted that the streamlined process is designed to enhance transparency and reduce bottlenecks that have long discouraged property developers and investors.

Requirements for Approval

According to Olumide, applicants must submit architectural and structural drawings, technical and engineering reports, and soil test results where necessary. Proof of tax compliance is also mandatory.

“Once all documents are submitted and the required fees are paid, approvals will be issued within 10 working days,” the commissioner said. He added that trained officers have been deployed to provide guidance to applicants and ensure compliance with the process.

Enforcement Against Non-Compliant Estates

The commissioner also disclosed that 176 estates in Lagos remain under sanction for failing to comply with planning regulations. Many of these developments, he explained, were constructed on land zoned for agricultural or industrial purposes without securing proper approvals.

A 21-working-day grace period for regularization was issued, after which enforcement measures including sealing of properties will apply. While some developers have begun corrective steps, others risk penalties if compliance is not achieved.

Safeguarding Urban Development

Olumide stressed that the regulations are not punitive but are intended to ensure that housing estates in Lagos are well-planned, structurally safe, and liveable. “These regulations are designed to protect residents, ensuring that estates are properly planned, safe, and conducive for living,” he stated.

Implications for Investors

For investors and developers, the commitment to a 10-day approval window represents a significant policy shift. Delays in planning approvals have historically increased project costs and prolonged development timelines. If effectively implemented, the streamlined process could enhance ease of doing business in Lagos, improve project predictability, and strengthen investor confidence in the state’s housing market.