…To discard manual building approval
The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has unveiled its newly introduced Electronic Physical Planning Process System (E-PPPS).
The programme targeted professionals and practitioners in the built environment to acquaint them with the operations of the new digital platform.
The Electronic Physical Planning Process System is a technology-driven initiative designed to simplify and enhance the building permit application and approval process across the State. Through the platform, applicants and stakeholders will be able to access planning permit services more efficiently, while ensuring greater transparency, accountability and ease of doing business.
The E-PPPS is expected to significantly reduce processing delays, eliminate administrative bottlenecks and promote seamless permit administration in line with global best practices in urban planning and development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide stated that Lagos State has initiated a historic transition to electronic systems for planning approvals.
“This reform replaces bulky paper submissions of architectural and structural drawings with secure digital uploads, positioning Lagos as a leader in development modernization across Nigeria”.
He noted that the platform is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, while requiring full compliance with tax evidence and payment assessments.
He added that professionals in the built environment remain critical partners in the implementation of physical planning policies and regulations, stressing that their active participation in the sensitisation programme is essential to the successful rollout of the system.
Olumide emphasised that the introduction of the EPPPS aligns with the broader vision of the State Government to create a more responsive, transparent and efficient planning permit regime capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly growing megacity.
He said the State will shortly discard the manual approval process which is both laborious and cumbersome because of the pages of papers that are sometimes required and the consequent human interface that drag the process.
Speaking, Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Wasiu Olayinka added that the initiative is aimed at reducing complaints from market operators and stakeholders by ensuring a clear, transparent process with real-time updates.
According to him, participants were taken through the key features, operational procedures, benefits and compliance requirements of the system. The engagement will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions, share observations and make recommendations that could further enhance the effectiveness of the platform.
He therefore urged architects, engineers, builders, town planners, surveyors and other relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the training programme and familiarise themselves with the new platform.
In his remarks Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners ((NITP), Lagos Chapter, Omotayo Awomosu in his remarks said the new framework system is a game changer. He noted that the system is expected to influence future electronic principles, drive smarter city development in cities like Lagos, and is designed to enhance business operations.
Also, Chairman, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Lagos Chapter, Tosin Kadiri called the unveiling of EPPPS a significant step in improving efficiency, transparency and growth of urban development of the state. He pledged the cooperation of his association to see to it’s success.
However, the Ologba of Oba, Oba Egbeyemi Lateef who is a Surveyor pleaded with the State Government for what he called a transition approach to ensure that all stakeholders adapt to it. he said “the E-PPPS should exist side by side with the existing manual approval method currently in use. This will ensure that applicants and professionals are not unduly inconvenienced while useful lessons are learnt”.
