The Lagos State Government has officially scrapped the manual processing of building permits, declaring it illegal as part of a full transition to a digital approval system under the Electronic Physical Planning Permit System (EPPPS).
The reform, which took effect on April 1, 2026, aligns with the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and technology-driven governance.
At a press briefing in Alausa, the Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, emphasised that all planning permit applications must now be handled exclusively through the web-based EPPPS platform.
“The full automation of our planning permit process commenced on April 1, 2026. Manual processing has been completely discontinued and outlawed. Anyone engaging in it is carrying out an illegal activity,” he said.
Babatunde described the move as a clear departure from the previous system, which was often associated with delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies. He explained that the new digital platform is designed to streamline operations, improve transparency, and reduce risks, particularly incidents of building collapse.
According to him, the system is fully operational, with trained personnel and digital infrastructure deployed across district offices to ensure seamless processing.
The state government also unveiled complementary reforms, including the Certified Accreditor Programme (CAP), which introduces a public-private partnership model to strengthen building control.
In addition, advanced land administration technologies are being deployed to digitise property records. Babatunde noted that the adoption of Aumentum software would enhance the security and efficiency of issuing Certificates of Occupancy, while improving the integrity of land records.
He added that the integration of the Moola Tracker has significantly simplified mortgage consent procedures, reducing the process from 29 steps to eight without additional costs.
To improve accessibility, the government is decentralising land services, with an operational e-GIS regional office already in Ikeja and additional centres planned for Lekki, Epe, Badagry, and Ikorodu.
As part of strengthened regulatory measures, Babatunde disclosed that all buildings in Lagos must now have valid insurance coverage and undergo structural fitness certification every five years. Safety marshals will begin inspections, while contractors must obtain authorisation before commencing work on any site.
The government urged property owners and developers to comply with the new digital system promptly, warning that violations would attract strict enforcement measures.
