Lagos Waives Penal Fees for Property Owners Without Building Permits

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Property owners and developers who did not obtain the requisite building permits before erecting their structures in Lagos State now have a 90-day grace to obtain their approvals without the payment of penal fees.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Oluwole Olumide Sotire, said the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approved the 90-day moratorium to property owners as a form of palliative.

He stated that the amnesty period would commence from May 2, 2024, to July 30, 2024, urging the affected developers and property owners in the metropolis to submit the necessary documents to the government through the district offices of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) in the 57 local government areas and councils in the state.

The statement said the relief measure is to cushion the “effect of the current economic hardship being experienced in the built environment,” emphasising that the grace is only for those who provide all the required documents.

Applicants are expected to submit a title document/proof of ownership of the landed property, survey plan, as-built architectural drawings, structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings where applicable, non-destructive integrity test report where applicable, land use planning analysis report (LUPAR), tax clearance certificate, and other supporting documents.

The state government noted that property owners who complete their payments within 10 working days of being issued a bill for approval will enjoy a 5 per cent discount.