Lagos Outlaws Manual Building Permits, Launches Fully Digital Approval System

Lagos Outlaws Manual Building Permits, Launches Fully Digital Approval System

The Lagos State Government has officially commenced full automation of building permits, mandating that all physical planning approvals be processed exclusively through its Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS).

The announcement was made by Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Geographic Information Service (e-GIS) and Urban Development, during a press briefing in Ikeja. He described the development as a major shift from outdated manual processes to a modern, transparent, and efficient digital system.

According to him, the new system, which took effect from April 1, 2026, completely abolishes manual processing of planning permits. He warned that any individual or organisation attempting to bypass the digital platform would be engaging in an illegal act, stressing that all applications must now go through the EPPPS platform.

Babatunde explained that the EPPPS platform is designed to handle the entire lifecycle of building approvals. Applicants can now seamlessly process planning permits, authorisation to commence construction, and stage certifications within a single digital interface. This, he said, eliminates delays, reduces human interference, and improves transparency across the system.

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He added that once an applicant secures planning approval online, they can immediately proceed to apply for construction authorisation and stage certifications without leaving the platform. The integration is expected to significantly speed up project timelines and enhance efficiency in the construction sector.

The government also confirmed that all necessary infrastructure has been fully deployed to support the transition. This includes 100 percent training and retraining of personnel, installation of computer systems, and reliable internet connectivity across all district offices of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

To ensure strict compliance, Babatunde disclosed that a dedicated enforcement task force has been established. The team will monitor adherence to the new system and clamp down on any attempts to revert to manual or unofficial processes.

Beyond permit automation, the government introduced additional reforms aimed at strengthening urban development. One of such initiatives is the Certified Accredited Programme (CAP), a public-private partnership designed to allow certified professionals to collaborate with regulatory agencies in monitoring building projects and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The initiative is expected to help reduce incidents of building collapse while improving project delivery timelines.

In a move to decentralise services, the government also announced the commencement of operations at a new e-GIS regional office in Ikeja. This will allow residents and developers to process land-related services closer to them, reducing congestion at central offices and improving accessibility. More regional offices are expected to become operational soon.

On mortgage processing, Babatunde noted that the introduction of digital systems has significantly simplified what was previously a slow and cumbersome process. The new system enhances efficiency for individuals, financial institutions, and government agencies involved in property transactions.

He clarified that the reforms do not introduce new charges, maintaining that the statutory 2.5 percent processing fee remains unchanged. Instead, the focus is on leveraging technology to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve service delivery.

The Lagos State Government emphasised that the initiative is part of its broader drive to improve ease of doing business, urban planning efficiency, and investor confidence. Authorities believe the transition will not only enhance transparency but also strengthen regulatory oversight in the construction sector.

Babatunde reiterated that compliance is now non-negotiable, warning that there will be zero tolerance for violations. He urged residents, developers, and stakeholders in the built environment to embrace the new system, describing it as a critical step toward building a smarter and safer Lagos.

Lagos Outlaws Manual Building Permits, Launches Fully Digital Approval System