The Lagos State Government has declared that its Amnesty Programme on Planning Permits is not an automatic approval scheme, but a deliberate initiative aimed at promoting orderly development and enhancing safety within the built environment.
The State Government also directed officers of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to ensure that only structures that meet minimum acceptable standards are granted planning approvals.
This clarification was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, during a meeting with LASPPPA management staff at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.
According to Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Commissioner charged officers to uphold strict ethical conduct as the agency experiences a surge in applications following the reopening of the Amnesty window.
The programme, which runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025, allows owners of existing unapproved buildings to regularise their properties without paying statutory penalties, provided they meet planning and safety requirements.
Olumide commended the public’s swift response to the initiative but stressed the need for LASPPPA officers to scale up their operations to manage the increased volume of submissions.
“As experienced planning officers, you must ensure faster processing, strict compliance checks, and clear communication with applicants. It is your responsibility to treat applicants with utmost respect,” he said.
He urged district officers to support applicants, avoid delays that could discourage compliance, and shun any form of shortcuts or underhand dealings. All applications, he emphasised, must be handled with efficiency, transparency and professionalism.
Residents were reminded to channel their applications through any of the 57 LASPPPA district offices or the Electronic Planning Permit (EPP) portal, ensuring they submit all required documents, including survey plans, proof of ownership, and as-built drawings.
