Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, has emphasised the need for officers of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to maintain high ethical standards as the agency experiences a surge in amnesty applications.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Mukaila Sanusi.
Addressing LASPPPA management staff at the agency’s Ikeja headquarters, Dr. Olumide stressed that the increase in submissions aligns with his expectations, given the amnesty programme’s goal of enabling property owners to regularise unapproved buildings without incurring statutory penalties, provided they meet planning and safety standards.
The Commissioner praised the public’s response to the programme, which runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025, and urged officers to scale up operations to manage the influx efficiently. He emphasized the need for faster processing, strict compliance checks, and clear communication with applicants, while treating them with respect.
“As experienced planning officers, you must ensure faster processing, strict compliance checks, and clear communication with applicants. It is your responsibility to treat applicants with utmost respect,” he said.
Dr. Olumide reminded officers that the amnesty programme is not an automatic approval scheme, but an initiative to promote orderly development and safety. He urged district officers to support applicants, eliminate delays, and avoid shortcuts or underhand practices, ensuring applications are handled efficiently, transparently, and professionally.
Residents are encouraged to submit applications through LASPPPA district offices or the Electronic Planning Permit (EPP) portal, ensuring all required documents are compiled. Property owners are urged to take advantage of the amnesty window, which will close on December 31, 2025.
