The Lagos State Government has introduced a new electronic platform aimed at simplifying and accelerating the process of obtaining building permits across the state.

The initiative was disclosed by the General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Kehinde Osinaike, in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs.

According to him, the platform, known as the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System, was developed under e-LASPPPA to modernise and streamline approval processes. The system allows residents, property developers, and other stakeholders to apply for planning permits online from any location.

The digital platform is expected to reduce delays associated with manual processing, making permit approvals faster and more accessible. It is also designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the physical planning system.

Osinaike noted that the initiative would help ensure that building developments comply with approved regulations and standards while enhancing service delivery across the state.

He added that the move reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve governance and meet the demands of a growing population.

Residents, developers, and investors have been encouraged to adopt the platform for their planning permit applications as part of efforts to build a more efficient and digitally driven system.

The post Lagos Launches E-System to Speed Up Building Permit Approvals appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to ensure the equitable distribution of a forfeited Abuja housing estate, previously linked to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Lawmakers urged that the estate be allocated to low- and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups.

This follows the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko, who raised concerns about transparency in the handling of the estate, which was recently transferred to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The property in question, comprising 753 duplexes and apartments, is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. Spanning over 150,000 square meters, the estate was forfeited to the federal government following a final order by the Federal High Court. The EFCC alleges it was acquired using proceeds of unlawful activities attributed to Emefiele.

Describing the recovery as a “milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts,” Leko said the estate, if allocated equitably, could make a meaningful contribution toward bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit, particularly in the capital.

However, he warned that without proper oversight and a clearly defined framework, the property risked being reabsorbed into the hands of the privileged elite—undermining the very purpose of asset recovery and leaving the most vulnerable excluded.

“The absence of a transparent beneficiary selection process or legislative oversight could erode public trust in the government’s anti-corruption and social welfare initiatives,” Leko told lawmakers.

He also referenced the government’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the welfare of all citizens, including the right to adequate shelter, as outlined in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution.

Following debate, the House resolved to urge the Ministry of Housing to develop and publicly release a transparent, inclusive framework for the estate’s allocation. The plan, lawmakers said, should prioritize ordinary Nigerians, particularly those most affected by displacement and housing insecurity.

In addition, the House directed the ministry to submit a detailed report within 60 days outlining the intended use of the property, allocation criteria, and beneficiary selection process.

The Committee on Housing and Habitat has also been tasked with working alongside the ministry to monitor the process, ensuring it aligns with principles of fairness, equity, and transparency. The committee is expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative consideration.

“Transparency in asset management is vital to building public trust,” Leko added. “Nigerians must see the direct benefits of recovered assets improving lives and delivering justice.”

The post Reps Urge FG to Allocate Forfeited Emefiele-Linked Estate to Vulnerable Nigerians appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Ministry of Environment announced the programme in a public notice dated June 17. The move aims to improve the visual appeal and environmental health of cities such as Awka, Onitsha, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia.

Starting July 1, inspection teams will begin visiting properties. Officials will focus on buildings that have not been painted in more than ten years or are visibly deteriorating. According to Commissioner for Environment Felix Odimegwu, the exercise will help improve public spaces and strengthen the quality of urban life.

The policy is backed by the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law of 2024. This law gives the state authority to enforce rules on property maintenance in public-facing areas, known locally as anyaora zones.

Property owners and organisations with buildings in these areas must repaint or renovate their premises to avoid penalties. The ministry explained that clean and well-maintained buildings are essential for creating a livable and eco-friendly environment.

The directive has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures. George Moghalu, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, condemned the move. He described it as oppressive and disconnected from the current economic reality.

According to Moghalu, the administration is failing in key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation. He said it was unfair for the government to demand cosmetic changes while ignoring deeper issues. He also questioned whether the government had provided any form of support to help citizens comply.

Moghalu stressed that urban renewal must be built on consultation and fairness. He called for the immediate suspension of the directive and urged the government to engage with local communities and stakeholders.

Although he supports clean cities and environmental progress, he warned that policies must be people-focused, not punitive. Without financial support or public dialogue, he argued, the programme risks alienating the very citizens it claims to serve.

The post Anambra State Orders Building Repainting to Improve Urban Aesthetics appeared first on Housing TV Africa.