The Lagos State Government has assured that property owners whose buildings are demolished during road construction will be adequately compensated but only if they obtained valid planning permits.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, gave the assurance during a public sensitisation programme organised by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to educate stakeholders on the importance of obtaining planning permits.

Olumide explained that many buildings currently sited on the right of way would have to give way for upcoming road projects, stressing that such losses could be avoided through proper compliance.

“If any building sited on the right of way had obtained a planning permit, the owners would be adequately compensated,” he said.

No Arbitrary Demolitions

The commissioner also urged residents, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Community Development Committees (CDCs) in Ojo, Badagry, Iba/Oto-Awori, Amuwo, Oriade, and Olorunda districts to regularise their property documentation. He reassured that there would be no arbitrary demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex and emphasised government’s commitment to orderly and sustainable urban development.

LASPPPA Encourages Public Engagement

The General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinailke, reaffirmed the agency’s openness to the public and encouraged developers and professionals to seek guidance directly from LASPPPA.

“Our office doors are open to everyone. We are here to enlighten, support, and work with you to ensure compliance and promote a well-organised Lagos,” he said.

A Director in LASPPPA, Claudius Akinyemi, highlighted that planning permits can now be processed online for faster approvals. She noted that a valid permit not only legalises development but can serve as collateral for bank loans, and guarantees compensation if government projects affect the property.

Stakeholders React

During the interactive session, the President-General of Alaba International Amalgamated Council, High Chief (Dr.) Camilus Amajuoyi, pledged that traders and developers at the Alaba Trade Fair would now comply with planning regulations. Another stakeholder, High Chief Taofeek Oseni, called for a review of long-standing buildings constructed on government-acquired land without proper documentation.

Background

In September, the Lagos State Government began demolishing illegal and defective structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo. The operation targeted buildings erected without approval, on drainage channels, or within road setbacks. Agencies involved included LASBCA, LASURA, LASPPPA, and the Ministry of Physical Planning, among others.

The state has maintained that demolitions carried out without official authorisation or due process do not represent its position, referencing recent unapproved demolitions in FESTAC Town.

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These regulations, under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, Cap U2 of 2015, mandate that renovation applications be submitted to LASPPPA, including details of the renovation and any previous planning permits.

Experts emphasize the importance of these permits for ensuring compliance with building codes, maintaining safety and structural integrity, and conducting environmental checks. Many Lagos residents may be unaware of this requirement, which applies to both residential and commercial buildings. Renovations such as replacing floor tiles and other aesthetic improvements without a permit are illegal.

READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Woos Property Owners with 40% Discount on Building Permit

Understanding the Law

Section 5 (A.1) of the regulations clearly states, “No building shall be renovated in the State without a renovation permit granted by the Authority.” The regulations define renovation as any act done to improve a building’s beauty, including changing windows and doors, re-plastering, reroofing, replacing floor coverings, retiling, kitchen or bathroom remodelling, plumbing works, and electrical works, but excluding structural improvements or changes to the building.

Residents must obtain a renovation permit from LASPPPA before starting any of these activities. Failure to do so would contravene the regulations.

Application Process

Section 5 outlines the requirements for obtaining a renovation permit. Applicants must submit an application to LASPPPA, including details of the renovation and evidence of a previous planning permit if available. The application process incurs a fee equal to 25% of the current processing fees. If a previous planning permit is not included, the application must be submitted “As-Built” and comply with minimum planning standards applicable to the location, also incurring a 25% fee. Non-compliant applications must be adjusted to meet these standards before a renovation permit can be granted.

Expert Opinions

Experts highlight the critical benefits of obtaining renovation permits. Architect Kingsley Cletus explains that these permits ensure compliance with building codes and regulations, maintaining the safety, integrity, and habitability of structures. For instance, converting external plumbing to conduit plumbing or changing a building’s roofing from wood to steel can significantly impact stability and safety, necessitating approval to meet regulatory standards.

READ ALSO: Abdullahi: FCT Demands Tax Clearance Certificates for Building Permit

A real estate consultant specializing in facility management underscores the importance of these permits for ensuring safe and compliant renovations. He notes that inspections by qualified officials verify compliance with building codes, reducing construction-related accidents and maintaining long-term safety and stability.

Conclusion

Obtaining renovation permits is essential for conducting renovation projects safely, legally, and to high standards, benefiting both property owners and the state. Experts call for increased public awareness and recommend that the Lagos State Government expand LASPPPA’s workforce to ensure broader compliance with the mandate to obtain renovation permits before starting any projects.

The post Lagos State Mandates Permits for Building Renovations appeared first on Housing TV Africa.