…as Property owners get 61 days to legalize structures without penalty
The Lagos State Government has reintroduced the Planning Permit Amnesty Program, offering property owners another opportunity to regularize their buildings without facing penalties for previous non-compliance.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this at Alausa, Ikeja, stating that the initiative followed numerous appeals from property owners who missed earlier amnesty windows.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in response to public appeals, has approved the reintroduction of the programme for the third time during his administration.
“This initiative allows owners of existing but unapproved buildings to regularise their structures without incurring penalties normally associated with building without permits,”Mr. Olumide said
According to checks on the official Building Permit Amnesty Programme portal, the window will run for 61 days — from 1 November to 31 December, 2025.
During this period, property owners and developers are encouraged to obtain the necessary approvals to avoid potential sanctions, demolitions, or legal action.
Applicants must submit a full set of documents including proof of ownership or title, a survey plan, and as-built architectural drawings. Depending on the structure, additional documents such as structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings, integrity test reports, and letters of structural stability may also be required.
A Land Use Planning Analysis Report and tax compliance certificates must accompany the application, which can be filed at any Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) district office or through the Electronic Planning Permit Office at LASPPPA Headquarters in GRA, Ikeja.
The programme covers residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, reflecting the government’s effort to promote orderly, sustainable, and safe urban development in line with its “Greater Lagos” vision.
Mr. Olumide further revealed that applicants who complete payment within ten working days during the amnesty period will enjoy special discounts as part of the state’s support for economic recovery in the construction sector.
“This amnesty is not just about compliance — it’s about compassion,” he quoted Governor Sanwo-Olu as saying.
The state government had earlier embarked on enforcement actions against owners of unapproved buildings following the expiration of the last amnesty in December 2024, leading to demolitions in Ogudu GRA and other parts of Lagos.
Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) affirmed that all affected property owners were duly notified before demolition exercises commenced.
The reintroduced amnesty now provides a renewed opportunity for compliance and a step toward achieving a more transparent and accountable building control system across the state.