The Lagos State Government has stated that contrary to reports circulating online, it did not revoke all existing building permits.
Instead, the government explained that it had opened a three-month amnesty window from May 2 to July 30, 2024, allowing property owners to obtain or perfect their planning permits without the usual statutory penalties.
In a statement by the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Oloye Olusegun, he noted that this clarification became necessary following a misleading headline report in an online news medium, stating that the Lagos State Government revoked all existing building permits.
He clarified, “It should be noted that the issuance of a Planning Permit is the prerogative of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA, which is under the supervision of the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.
“The directive issued by the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, was that Letters of Authorisation to commence construction, issued by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, needed to be revalidated because most developers, after obtaining the letter to commence construction, fall short of engaging all relevant professionals in the building projects.”
He asserted that the revalidation was to allow the agency to conduct a proper audit and authentication of all the professionals who would be engaged in building construction in the state.