Lagos govt. threatens to demolish property without planning permit after 90-Day amnesty
Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State government has threatened to take drastic action against property owners who failed to perfect their planning permit after the expiration of 90-Day grace granted for them to do so.
The government also announced a 40℅ rebate on planning permit payment to Lagosians within the period.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday to mark the first year of the second term in office of Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide noted that the 90-Day grace period is to encourage property owners in the state to do the right thing by ensuring their properties pass all official procedures.
The commissioner disclosed that the amnesty initiative would allow owners and developers of existing buildings to obtain planning permits without the payment of statutory penal fees within the amnesty window from May 2 to July 30, 2024, with a 5% discount applicable to payments completed within 10 working days of the bill’s issuance.
He added that the rebate is a relief measure to mitigate the effects of the current economic hardship being experienced in the building sector, noting that applicants are expected to submit all relevant documents for assessment through the Lagos State Planning Permit Authority, LASPPA at the agency’s head office and district offices in the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.
He warned that non-compliance within the amnesty period would draw the wrath of the government, adding that the administration would not compromise the safety of every individual in the state.
“With this rebate and after the 90-Day Amnesty, any property that falls on the wrong side of physical planning laws shall face the consequences squarely,” he stressed.
The Commissioner highlighted some of the activities embarked upon by the Office of Physical Planning to include over 74% rate in the grant of planning permits in the last one year and the preparation and review of master plans and model city plans such as the Lagos Island Model City Plan and Alimosho Model City Plan.
On the use of electronic planning permit process, the Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban. Development, Olajide Babatunde said the government is poised to revolutionize the planning approval process with the introduction of an Electronic Physical Planning Permit Process System.
He reiterated that the innovative system would enable building approval to be obtained in just ten minutes, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for stakeholders.
