The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority has expressed concern over the alarmingly low rate of building approvals, despite the existence of over five million structures across the state.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this while speaking at the Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development through the Office of Physical Planning recently in Lagos.
He said, “On the number of buildings approved in Lagos state, I will not say that, but on record, we have over five million buildings/structures/properties in the state. However, the percentage of those with approval is very low.
“As part of its statutory responsibilities, the Office of Physical Planning received a total of 77 applications, granted 35 Provisional Layout Plan Approvals and six Final Layout Plan Approvals between 2024 and April 2025.
“During the period under review, a total of 36 estates were monitored for compliance by the Office of Physical Planning, through its routine monitoring of estate developments.
The monitoring exercise aims to ensure compliance with the layout plans approval granted by the office and achieve a sustainable environment in line with the state government development blueprint.
“The outcome of the exercise has been an increase in the level of compliance with approvals granted for estate developments and an increase in the number of applications for layout plan approval.”
Speaking on the treatment of complaints/petitions and provision of technical support services, Olumide noted that the Office of Physical Planning, through its Technical Service Department, provided technical support services to other MDAs in areas of physical planning and development issues.
He added, “In the same vein, the office received and investigated petitions submitted by aggrieved members of the public and whistleblowers, relating to land use and development disputes as well as perceived physical planning infractions. A significant 70.24 per cent of cases were resolved through mediation to prevent costly litigation and minimise the burden on the courts. A mediation resolution rate of 70.24 per cent demonstrates the office’s effectiveness in resolving the majority of petitions amicably, minimising the need for enforcement actions and reducing the burden of enforcement and litigation.
“However, in instances where violations were severe, not condonable, or mediation proved unsuccessful, the office enforced compliance through regulatory actions, including service of statutory notices, sealing of contravening properties and/or removal of illegal developments (where necessary). It is noteworthy that 1.98 per cent of cases required total removal, while 0.4 per cent required sealing, indicating the office’s firm but balanced approach.
“The Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee received 95 petitions against government agencies, individuals, and public officials. The committee conducted hearings on all 95 petitions and delivered decisions on 35 of them, while 28 petitions are still ongoing. The appeals committee struck out 32 petitions due to petitioners failing to respond or returning to court.”
