By Ejire Folakunmi
The Lagos State Government has declared manual processing of building permits illegal, following the full automation of its Electronic Physical Planning Permit System (EPPPS).
The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, made this known during a press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos.
He said the initiative, which took effect from April 1, 2026, is aimed at improving transparency, reducing bureaucracy, and curbing incidents of building collapse across the state.
According to Babatunde, the reform is part of the administration’s drive to build a technology-driven governance system and improve ease of doing business.
“The full automation of our planning permit process commenced on April 1, 2026. Manual processing of physical planning permits has been completely discontinued and is now illegal in Lagos State,” he said.
He warned that all applications must be processed through the EPPPS platform, stressing that any attempt to bypass the system would attract sanctions.
“We have provided the tools to do things the right way. Any attempt to revert to manual or backdoor processes is strictly illegal, and the government will enforce compliance,” he added.
Babatunde urged property owners who had not regularised their documentation before the deadline to do so immediately to avoid legal consequences.
He explained that the EPPPS is a web-based platform designed to modernise planning approvals, enhance transparency, and eliminate delays associated with manual processing.
The Special Adviser noted that the system is now fully operational, with personnel trained and digital infrastructure deployed across all district offices.
He highlighted additional reforms, including the Certified Accreditor Programme (CAP), aimed at strengthening building control and reducing structural failures, as well as the Lagos State Geographic Information System (LAGIS) Centre.
Babatunde also disclosed that the government has deployed Aumentum Software to fully digitise land administration processes, including the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy and management of land records.
“We are moving away from manual processes characterised by delays and inefficiencies. This system guarantees the integrity of our land registry and boosts investor confidence,” he said.
He added that the integration of the Moola Tracker has reduced mortgage consent processing from 29 steps to eight, without additional costs.
The government, he said, is also decentralising land administration services, with the Ikeja e-GIS office already operational and additional centres planned for Lekki, Epe, Badagry, and Ikorodu.
Babatunde further disclosed that all buildings in Lagos must now have valid insurance policies and a 5-year certificate of fitness.
He added that Safety Marshals would soon commence inspections, while contractors must possess valid authorisation before operating on any site.
The statement was issued by the Lagos State Government at the press briefing in Alausa.