The Lagos State Government has called on Property Owners and Developers interested in obtaining Planning Permits to complete their applications accurately in order to prevent delays as the process is clear and seamless.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, disclosed this during a chat with property correspondents in his office at Alausa, Ikeja.

He averred that except for those that would like to cut corners and make mischief, the requirements for Planning Permit are not cumbersome but necessary to regulate the built environment and give room for seamless development of the State.

“Oftentimes, the delay does not come from the government but the failure of Developers to perfect their documents or get the necessary sign-off from relevant MDAs, where applicable” Salako stated.

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He emphasised that while the power to grant Planning Permit rested solely with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), the sign-off of other Ministries and Agencies such as the Ministry of Transportation and Office of Drainage Services is necessary for some instances as development activities within State revolve around many agencies.

“For example, LASPPPA will not issue Permit to any development proposed along drainage alignments or road setbacks without clearance from the Office of Drainage Services and Ministry of Transportation respectively”, he added.

Other MDAs whose clearances may be required before granting Planning Permit are the Lagos Fire Service, the Nigeria Police, Lands Bureau, Office of the Surveyor-General, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Nigerian Airport Authority, Department of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lekki Concession Company, New Towns Development Authority and the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation among others.

Dr. Salako affirmed that to further simplify the Planning Permit process, the government had implemented some reforms and set Service Level Agreement of 28 days for processing Planning Permits.

“As part of the reforms, we have rapidly increased the number of Supervisory Directors and District Officers and devolved Planning Permit Approvals down to the level of district officers”, he explained.

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He stated that efforts at streamlining the process had yielded positive results, among which is the fact that the 28 days Service Level Agreement facilitated the receipt of Planning Permits by applicants within the stipulated time, adding that as of October this year, 1,726 Permits had been granted.

The Commissioner urged those willing to fast track their applications to take advantage of the Electronic Planning Permit platform or the fast track option, which recognised the need of those who wish to quickly deliver on their projects.

Concerning the insinuation of malfeasance in the built environment, he appealed for the cooperation of all in addressing wrongdoings in the sector by reporting malpractices through the helplines of the Ministry and the Lagos State Citizensgate online platform.