Lagos Commissioner Demands Ethical Conduct as Amnesty Programme Spurs Surge in Building Permit Applications

By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal

Ikeja, Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, has urged officers of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to uphold the highest ethical standards as the state experiences a surge in building permit applications under the ongoing Amnesty Programme.

Addressing LASPPPA management staff at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja, Dr. Olumide noted that the renewed wave of submissions across district offices aligned with expectations following the reopening of the Amnesty window, which runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025. The initiative allows property owners with previously unapproved structures to regularise their buildings without paying statutory penalties, so long as they meet planning, safety, and regulatory standards.

While commending the strong public response, the Commissioner called for an immediate scale-up in LASPPPA’s operational capacity to handle the increased workload.

“This is not a free pass. Only buildings that meet minimum acceptable standards will receive approvals,” Dr. Olumide emphasised. “The Amnesty Programme is designed to promote orderly development and ensure public safety, not to bypass regulatory processes.”

He warned officers against shortcuts, corruption, or practices that could compromise professional integrity, stressing that all applications must be processed transparently, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.

Property owners were reminded to submit their applications through any of the 57 LASPPPA district offices or via the Electronic Planning Permit portal. Required documents include survey plans, proof of ownership, and as-built design drawings.

Dr. Olumide encouraged residents to seize the opportunity provided by the Amnesty window while expressing optimism about the strong level of public engagement so far. He said the increased compliance demonstrated a growing awareness of the importance of adhering to planning regulations to support safe and sustainable development across the state.