General
Lagos to Cut Physical Planning Permit Collection to 10 Days
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos State Government through Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has promised a further cut in the turnaround time of processing permits from its present 12 to 13 days to 10 working days.
This was disclosed by Mr Kehinde Osinaike, General Manager, LASPPPA during a courtesy visit of the National Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr Olutoyin Ayinde, to the authority’s officer in the state.
He said the essence of the reduction was to make the collection of physical planning permits less cumbersome, less time-consuming and seamless in Lagos.
Others on the visit included delegates from the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) and Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA).
According to him, the agency will further reduce the processing time to enhance previous improvements that have been initiated to make the planning permit processing easy.
He noted that the step was being taken to entice and encourage owners and developers to submit applications for permits in compliance with the law.
“Already, we are getting the process done within 12-13 working days.
“The authority is working assiduously to ensure a reduction in the turnaround time for processing physical planning permits.
“We hope to reduce the turnaround time of processing applications to 10 working days,” he said.
Mr Osinaike listed other achievements by the authority to include the preparation of 30 Action Area Plans to guide physical development in different communities in the State as well as provision of necessary social amenities in such areas.
He also said that the authority had commenced the implementation of the Land Use Planning and Analysis Report (LUPAR) guidelines for assessing physical planning permit applications.
He said that the LUPAR guidelines, as directed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Idris Salako, was to ensure compliance with the extant Town Planning regulations of 2019, as amended.
In his remarks, Mr Olutoyin Ayinde, the NITP National Chairman, said the visit was part of the institute’s nationwide visit to all States of the Federation to appraise their level of compliance with Urban Development Laws.
Mr Ayinde expressed satisfaction with the level of professionalism by the three Lagos State agencies- LASPPPA, LASURA and LASPEMA, under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
He, however, called for synergy and dynamism among the agencies in order to meet the evolution and development in Physical Planning practices as well as the expectations of the State Government.
“Especially as it relates to the T.H.E.M.E.S. (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism as well as Security and Governance) Development Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Amid the resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe States, the Senate on Tuesday asked the military to urgently redeploy personnel and advanced equipment to tackle terrorists in the areas.
The resolution followed the recent killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte town of the Monguno Local Government Area on Monday, May 12, and a subsequent assault early Tuesday on Gajiram, the headquarters of the Nganzai Local Government Area.
In a motion raised by the Senate Chief Whip, Mr Tahir Munguno, lawmakers claimed while two-thirds of the local government areas in Borno were once under Boko Haram control, collaborative efforts between the Nigerian military and civilian joint task force had successfully reclaimed the territories.
They, however, said the restored peace has led to a relocation of the tactical command to the North-West, where the military is combating kidnapping and banditry.
Expressing concern over the militants’ evolving tactics, Mr Munguno highlighted the use of modern technologies by the group, including drones and an increase in the deployment of improvised explosive devices, which have led to high civilian and military casualties, disrupting transportation networks.
The Senate urged the military high command to swiftly redeploy sufficient troops to the North-East and ensure they are adequately equipped with modern technology to effectively combat the renewed threat, as well as mandate the committees on the army and air force to monitor and ensure compliance with this directive.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said it hopes to achieve about 20 million pension contributors by the end of year 2027, as against the over 10.65 million it currently counts.
The Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, said this over the weekend at the Pension Industry Leaders’ Retreat in Lagos.
According to her, the target would be achieved through the expansion of Personal Pension Plan (PPP) formerly known as Micro Pension Plan (MPP); constant engagements with stakeholders; enforcement of pension compliance certificates, especially by state governments amongst other initiatives.
She noted that the retreat has provided opportunities for the industry to adopt new strategies, stating that the resolutions reached will be fully implemented before the end of first quarter 2026.
On pension contributions, she said the industry expects a 50 per cent growth, stating that pension growth is essential for economic growth and development.
As of February 28, 2025 the pension fund assets was N23.27 trillion and Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders 10.65 million.
Recall that recently, the pension regulator announced the recovery of N1.58 billion from defaulting employers through enhanced enforcement efforts as total pension assets under management (AuM) surpassed N23 trillion as of February.
The DG also announced state remittances had also improved, reflecting a greater adoption of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Ms Oloworaran noted that in spite of these advancements, challenges remain, as only 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had enacted laws to implement the CPS.
“Six states operate hybrid schemes, while another six have bills at advanced legislative stages.
“Notable progress has been made in Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, and Abia states. However, full implementation of the CPS is currently limited to eight states,” she explained at the First Run 2025 Consultative Forum for States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) held in Kano in late April.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again reacted to the activities of individuals and groups falsely claiming to represent or act on its behalf, warning Nigerians against falling for these schemes.
According to the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, in a statement, these persons continue to circulate fictitious offers of contracts, loans, grants, intervention funds, and other financial benefits allegedly issued or endorsed by the CBN.
“Despite the public advisory issued on November 18, 2024, through the Bank’s official channels and news outlets, these misleading schemes have persisted, targeting unsuspecting members of the public with false and deceptive narratives,” the statement said.
“The CBN wishes to reiterate that it has not authorised, licensed, or appointed any individual, group, or organisation to act as an agent or intermediary in offering contracts, financial grants, or intervention funds to the public. The CBN also does not endorse or support such claims in any form.
“Members of the public are advised that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not award contracts or disburse funds through unsolicited communications such as emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or any social media platform. It also does not request payment of fees in exchange for contracts, grants, or financial interventions, nor does it engage intermediaries or third parties to offer financial services or opportunities to the public.
“If you are approached by individuals or entities making such claims, we strongly advise that you do not engage with them. Instead, such incidents should be reported immediately to the relevant law enforcement agencies or the nearest CBN Branch.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the financial interests of the Nigerian public and continues to work closely with security agencies to investigate and address fraudulent activities,” the statement said.
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