Gov Sanwo-Olu extends amnesty for owners of buildings without permit

For another period of two months, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has extended the amnesty period granted to owners and developers of existing buildings without Planning Permit to December 31, 2024.

The additional grace period was announced by Mr Governor during the recently concluded Lagos Physical Planning Summit held at Eko Hotel and Suites. This marks the second time that the amnesty period has been extended by the Governor. Initially, a 90-day amnesty period was announced from May 2 to July 30, 2024, and was later extended to October before the latest extension.

According to the Governor, the new end-of-the-year deadline aims to provide property owners with more opportunities to regularise their buildings without incurring penalties or additional costs.

While addressing critical stakeholders in the built sector at the Summit, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the new December 31 deadline will enable more interested parties, property owners, and developers to regularise their physical planning approvals.

He emphasised that the amnesty programme is part of his administration’s efforts to mitigate economic challenges in the built environment sector while promoting compliance with Physical Planning Regulations to ensure a livable, organised, and sustainable Lagos.

Similarly, Sanwo-Olu seized the opportunity of the platform to launch the Physical Planning Permit Barcode, a code which would be issued for buildings that have successfully gone through the process of obtaining a Planning Permit. The Barcode would be attached to structures with the Permit to reduce the interference of government regulatory officers who can detect the authenticity of the Planning Permit at a glance.

The Governor highlighted the urgency and significance of the Summit, describing it as a pivotal step towards transforming Lagos into a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive 21st-century megacity.

Sanwo-Olu also praised the keynote speaker and former Governor of the State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, for using his leadership to help shape modern Lagos through significant infrastructural developments.

Expressing appreciation to the Lagos State Office of Physical Planning for organizing the summit, the Governor emphasised that the forum provides a crucial platform for professionals from various sectors to contribute to the state’s physical development agenda.

Governor Sanwo-Olu detailed several ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, and improving living conditions across the state.

He called on policymakers, urban planners, financiers, and community leaders present at the summit to actively participate and share innovative ideas that would shape the future of Lagos.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide outlined the summit’s objectives, which included evaluating the implementation of the city’s Operative Development Plans (ODPs), identifying financing challenges, and exploring options for infrastructural development.

“Lagos, with a population of over 22 million, is the fastest urbanising city in Africa, facing unique challenges that require sustainable planning. This summit offers a platform to deliberate on these issues and position the state for future investment and development,” Dr Olumide stated.

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