The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining the development permit process through the Electronic Physical Planning Processing System, an initiative designed to improve efficiency, transparency and convenience while enhancing property values across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, represented by the General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ engagement held at The Stable, Union Bank Sports Club, Surulere.
Osinaike said the EPPPS was introduced to simplify the process of applying for and obtaining development permits while reducing unnecessary physical interactions between applicants and government officials.
He noted that the digital platform would also strengthen accountability and improve the overall experience of residents and other stakeholders from the point of application to the issuance of permits.
“Stakeholders are encouraged to understand and effectively use the system. Active participation and feedback are urged for the success of the EPPPS,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Bamidele Yusuf, commended the initiative, noting that the digital system would improve access to planning services, enhance privacy and strengthen collaboration between the government and the public.
Yusuf stressed the importance of obtaining development permits, noting that approved permits could contribute to increased property value and improve the eligibility of property owners seeking loans or other forms of financing.
He warned residents against undertaking construction projects without the required approvals, noting that unauthorised development could attract serious consequences. He added that the initiative was part of efforts by the Lagos State Government and stakeholders to promote orderly and sustainable physical development.
In his presentation, Tpl. Leke Oduwaye said the introduction of EPPPS had made the building approval process, particularly the documentation required for construction, less cumbersome.
Oduwaye explained that building-related documents were now being managed more efficiently through the digital system, while stakeholders could also seek clarification and resolve areas of concern through interactive engagements.
He commended agencies responsible for building and physical planning in Lagos for their efforts and urged community representatives at the event to share information about the EPPPS with residents in their respective communities.
The stakeholders’ engagement attracted participants from various districts, who took part in discussions on the benefits, application and effective use of the digital permit system.
The state government said continued engagement with stakeholders would be essential to improving the implementation of the EPPPS and ensuring that residents can access development permit services more conveniently while supporting orderly physical development across Lagos.
