Lagos: The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) on Monday initiated a road sensitisation campaign to inform residents about the importance of adhering to planning permit laws in anticipation of the 2025 stakeholders' engagement.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the roadshow in Lagos aimed to raise awareness about the significance of complying with physical planning regulations. LASPPPA, which operates under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, commenced the campaign from its headquarters located in Ikeja GRA.
Using public address systems, the officials elaborated on how timely compliance with planning regulations ensures fairness in investments, supports effective urban planning, mitigates the risk of building collapses, and aids the government in managing urban growth. The officials emphasized that obtaining approvals is mandatory before any construction, demolition, remodeling, or change of property ownership and warned that non-compliance could lead to sanctions.
Residents were encouraged to avoid dealing with touts and instead register online, visit the LASPPPA headquarters, or approach any of its district offices across the state to secure approvals within 10 days. They also invited the public to participate in the upcoming stakeholders' engagement on Friday, themed 'Planning Permit: The Rebirth.'
Earlier, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, welcomed LASPPPA officials to his office in Alausa. During his address, he highlighted the importance of the sensitisation campaign before joining the roadshow, along with the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oluwole Sotire, and other top government officials.
Speaking to journalists, Oluyinka explained that the campaign is aimed at addressing the low awareness regarding the value of planning permits. "It will be an ongoing exercise because we must take this message right to the grassroots. Our people in riverine areas and local communities must also know and appreciate the importance of planning permits," he stated.
The commissioner further explained that planning approvals assist the state in monitoring development patterns and expanding infrastructure to cater to residents' needs. "You can't drive a new car without registering it. If you buy a phone with a SIM card, it won't work after a few days if it isn't registered. The same applies here. There is no individual anywhere in the world without a birth certificate. For a building, that permit is its birth certificate, and every structure must have it," he added.
Additionally, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS), Dr. Babatunde Olajide, and Permanent Secretary Oluwole Sotire encouraged residents to comply with planning laws as responsible ambassadors. They highlighted the benefits of compliance and cautioned that violations or inaction could adversely impact the broader society.
Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, the General Manager of LASPPPA, remarked that the campaign builds on the successes of previous sensitisation efforts. He noted that compliance levels have increased due to reforms that have simplified the process of obtaining approvals. "There has been a marked increase in submissions of planning permits and issuance of approvals," he said.
A fuel attendant in Maryland, Mr. Mazi Alphonsus, praised the campaign. "If they continue like this, people will not make mistakes," he commented. Alphonsus expressed that it was "heartbreaking" to complete a building in error, especially given current economic conditions, only to face the risk of demolition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the procession began from LASPPPA Headquarters, Ikeja GRA, and traversed through Ikeja under bridge, Oba Akran, Agidingbi, Alausa, Oregun Road, Opebi Road, Sheraton, Maryland, and its surrounding areas.