In a move aimed at revolutionizing the building approval process, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has unveiled an electronic system that enables applicants to obtain permits within just 10 minutes. This initiative, dubbed the Electronic Physical Planning Permit System, is expected to bring much-needed efficiency and transparency to the construction sector in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development for LASG, announced the system during a press briefing. He emphasized the government’s commitment to streamlining procedures for stakeholders in the building industry. “The Lagos State Government is poised to revolutionize the planning approval process,” Dr. Babatunde declared. “This innovative system will ensure a seamless and efficient process for stakeholders.”
The new system comes at a time when the Lagos State government is facing scrutiny for its handling of building demolitions. Proponents of the electronic permit system believe it will not only expedite approvals but also discourage the construction of unauthorized structures, thereby promoting safer and more organized urban development.
The Electronic Physical Planning Permit System is the culmination of the e-GIS project, which began in 2016 and gained momentum in 2021 under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategic implementation plan. This initiative is a significant step towards a more digitized and business-friendly Lagos.
