The Lagos State Government has launched a discount and amnesty initiative to encourage property owners to obtain the requisite permits and follow building standards.
According to reports, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, announced this at a press event in Lagos on Wednesday to commemorate the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
He stated that the purpose of these activities was to protect public safety and promote a sustainable urban environment by encouraging conformity to building codes.
In a recent encounter with journalists, the commissioner stated that 80 percent of construction in Lagos‘ Ibeju Lekki district lacked approval.
He said, “Just last week, Thursday and Friday, myself and the team were on the Ibeju Lekki and Epe axes, and you would agree with me that anybody passing through that corridor would see a lot of estates marked. We went there, and I can tell you that from what we saw, over 80 percent of them do not have approval.”
On Wednesday, he stated that federal personnel will receive a 40% discount on planning permits as an incentive to follow proper procedures for their houses.
He said, “In a bid to ensure that the state maintains its high developmental standard, the Lagos State Government has announced a 40 percent rebate on planning permit payments to Lagosians.
“This is to encourage property owners in the state to do the right thing by ensuring their properties pass all official procedures.”
According to Olumide, property owners with unpermitted buildings have a 90-day amnesty period during which they can apply for permits without penalty.
This, he explained, was intended to address existing noncompliance and foster a more consistent building environment.
He said, “The amnesty initiative would allow owners and developers of existing buildings to obtain planning permits without the payment of statutory penal fees within the amnesty window from May 2 to July 30, 2024, with a five percent discount applicable to payments completed within 10 working days of the bill’s issuance.”
