Lagos urges stakeholders to embrace electronic planning permit system, tax compliance

Economy & Policy

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has urged stakeholders in the built environment to embrace its newly introduced Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (E-PPPS) and ensure compliance with tax obligations as part of efforts to improve service delivery and transparency.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, made the call during a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation programme on the E-PPPS held in Alausa, Ikeja.

The event was organised by the Lagos State Office of Physical Planning in collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Olumide said tax compliance remains a key requirement for obtaining physical planning permits in the state and encouraged stakeholders to make accurate declarations regarding their tax status.

According to him, the E-PPPS was developed to simplify permit processing, reduce delays, improve transparency and address challenges associated with physical planning approvals.

He noted that Lagos has continued to lead in the adoption of innovative governance initiatives and said the digital platform would strengthen documentation, information management and service efficiency in the physical planning sector.

“The only thing that is permanent is change. This transition is aimed at simplifying processes, saving time, enhancing transparency and making life easier for residents, developers and other stakeholders in the built environment,” Olumide said.

The commissioner assured stakeholders that the ministry had adequately trained personnel to provide support and resolve challenges that may arise during the implementation of the platform.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, described the E-PPPS as a transformative initiative that leverages technology to improve efficiency, speed and accessibility in government services.

He said the platform would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks by enabling users to access services remotely, from application submission to final approval.

Agoro urged staff of the ministry to embrace the digital transition, acquire relevant skills and maintain professionalism in their interactions with the public.

He also advised officials to ensure that planning approvals are guided by professional standards and regulatory requirements rather than revenue considerations.

The Head of Service called on stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation process and provide constructive feedback to enhance the effectiveness of the system.

“The new system is no longer an aspiration but a necessity in modern governance,” he said.

The Ologba of Ogbaland, Oba Latif Egbeyemi, commended the state government for introducing the platform but appealed for the temporary retention of the manual processing system to allow users time to adapt to the new technology.

Representing the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Tayo Awomosu said the initiative aligns with global best practices and would promote efficiency, transparency, accountability and effective data management.

Participants at the event included architects, surveyors, developers, builders, structural engineers and town planners.

(NAN)