The Lagos State Government has revealed that more than 8,000 properties received planning approval in 2024, following a surge in applications under the state’s Planning Permit Amnesty Programme. Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, made the announcement during a Ministerial Press Briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Planning Permit Amnesty, which ran from May to December 2024, was designed to help property owners regularize their developments without facing the usual penalties for unauthorized building. The amnesty initiative was met with overwhelming response, with 18,489 applications submitted during the eight-month period.
According to Dr. Olumide, the first phase of the amnesty program (May–July 2024) saw 4,877 applications, resulting in 2,151 approvals. The second phase (August–October 2024) garnered 6,402 applications, with 3,570 approvals granted. The final phase (November–December 2024) recorded 7,210 applications, resulting in 3,135 approvals.
“The initiative has been a resounding success, helping to streamline the approval process and promote more organized urban development,” Olumide said. “It also allowed us to update our infrastructure planning data and ensure that properties meet the required regulations.”
The amnesty program was part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to decentralize planning services, improve accessibility, and reduce backlogs of unapproved properties in the state. This included opening additional district offices, enhancing staff training, and implementing a “10-Day Deal” for planning permit processing.
Over the eight month period, a total of 8,856 planning permits were granted, a significant increase in approval numbers compared to previous years. Authorities noted that this surge in approvals is a sign of improved compliance among developers.
Dr. Olumide also highlighted the range of property types for which approvals were granted in 2024, including residential, commercial, mixed-use, and institutional projects. Notable approvals included 95 hospitals, 27 petrol filling stations, 151 shopping malls, and 95 schools, among others.
In addition to the amnesty program, the state government has been working on long-term urban planning initiatives. Dr. Olumide provided updates on the progress of development guide plans for excised villages in various areas of Lagos, including Ibeju-Lekki and Alimosho Local Government Areas. The government has also been reviewing master plans for Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, and other parts of the state to ensure that development is sustainable and well-managed.
“The ongoing master plans for key areas such as Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki are crucial in addressing the rapid growth of these regions while minimizing the negative impacts of uncontrolled development,” Olumide explained.
With the completion of several major planning initiatives, the Lagos State Government aims to continue promoting responsible urban growth and ensuring that the state remains a livable and sustainable environment for its residents.
