Lagos: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged residents to always obtain planning permits before embarking on any development. He also warned that attacks on enforcement officials will no longer be tolerated. Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, gave the warning at the 2025 stakeholders' engagement organised by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) in Oregun.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the engagement, themed 'Planning Permit: The Rebirth', aimed to sensitise stakeholders and the public to reforms and emerging issues in town planning. The governor stressed that planning was central to sustainable development, likening a permit to a birth certificate for every building, a vital document that ensures legitimacy, safety, and adherence to standards. 'Without it, we risk chaos, unsafe structures and communities that lack the necessary infrastructure to thrive,' he said.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted that Lagos is both a national and international gateway, hence the need for orderliness in development in the state in line with global standards. He commended LASPPPA for its grassroots enlightenment campaigns, including roadshows, debates, and public awareness drives. 'Physical planning is about the future and the Lagos we aspire to pass on to our children,' he said.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, noted that the level of approved buildings in the state was low and emphasized the government's goal to correct this. Mr. Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, explained that Thursday's demolition at the Trade Fair Complex was due to illegal structures erected on 300 hectares without approvals. 'We are supposed to know our boundary, one thing at a time,' he said.
Additionally, the Bajuilaye of Lagos, Chief Ayodele Oyekan, appealed to residents to support government officials and urged aggrieved individuals to channel complaints through proper agencies rather than resorting to violence. 'You don't need to attack the government officials. Please if you want to live in Lagos, abide by the government rules,' he said.
Former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, who delivered a lecture at the event, commended LASPPPA for decentralising operations with 52 district offices, automating processes, and expanding its social media presence. He, however, called for a one-stop-shop approach to eliminate overlapping functions among agencies and strengthen sustainable development.