Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Plans 40,000 Building Permits a Year

The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has announced a major drive to increase the number of planning permits issued annually, with a target of 40,000 to 45,000 approvals. The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of unregulated developments across the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa ahead of a stakeholder forum themed “Planning Permit: A Rebirth” scheduled for September 26, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, explained that Lagos currently processes around 18,000 permits a year less than half of what is required.

“Our assessment shows that Lagos should be issuing between 40,000 and 45,000 planning permits annually,” Oluyinka stated. “We are far below this mark, which is why we are going back to the grassroots to sensitize the public and key stakeholders.”

Legal recognition and investor protection

Oluyinka compared a planning permit to a birth certificate, emphasizing that it provides legal recognition for buildings and protects property owners in the event of government acquisition. “Without a permit, a structure is not recognized by law. With one, owners are entitled to compensation and can present their property documents to financial institutions or embassies with confidence,” he said.

Streamlined application process

As part of recent reforms, applicants can now submit documents directly to 57 district offices without intermediaries. Once drawings and documents are complete, applicants receive a registration number immediately, with approvals expected within 10 working days. Applicants are also required to provide valid land titles and evidence of tax compliance before processing.

The commissioner warned that structures erected without permits risk penalties or demolition. “You cannot drive a car without a license. In the same way, no building should be erected in Lagos without a planning permit,” he said.

Looking ahead

Oluyinka urged residents to view the permit process as an investment rather than a burden. He stressed that wider compliance would strengthen urban planning, protect investments, and provide government with reliable data for infrastructure and housing development.