Lagos bans Manual Building Permits, enforces fully Digital Approval System

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has scrapped manual processing of building permits, declaring it illegal as it fully transitions to a digital approval system under the Electronic Physical Planning Permit System (EPPPS).

The reform, which took effect from April 1, 2026, is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s push to entrench transparency, efficiency and technology-driven governance in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Alausa, the Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said all planning permit applications must now be processed exclusively through the web-based EPPPS platform, warning that any attempt to bypass the system would attract sanctions.

He described the move as a decisive break from the past, noting that the era of manual approvals—often associated with delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks—has been formally brought to an end.

Babatunde said the digital platform was designed to streamline operations, improve transparency and reduce risks, particularly incidents of building collapse, while enhancing Lagos’ reputation as a business-friendly destination.

“The full automation of our planning permit process commenced on April 1, 2026. Manual processing has been completely discontinued and outlawed. Anyone engaging in it is carrying out an illegal activity,” he said.

According to him, the system is fully operational, with all personnel trained and digital infrastructure deployed across district offices to support seamless processing.

The government also introduced complementary reforms, including the Certified Accreditor Programme (CAP), aimed at strengthening building control through a public-private partnership model, and the deployment of advanced land administration solutions to digitise property records.

Babatunde said the adoption of Aumentum software would ensure secure processing of Certificates of Occupancy and improve the integrity of land records, thereby boosting investor confidence.

He added that the integration of the Moola Tracker has simplified mortgage consent procedures, cutting the process from 29 steps to eight without additional costs.

In a bid to improve access, the government is decentralising land administration services, with an operational e-GIS regional office in Ikeja and new centres planned for Lekki, Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu.

He further disclosed that all buildings in Lagos must now have valid insurance policies and undergo certification of structural fitness every five years. Safety marshals are expected to begin inspections, while contractors are required to possess authorisation letters before operating on any site.

The state government urged property owners and developers yet to comply with the digital system to regularise their documentation promptly, warning that violations would be met with strict enforcement.