Lagos approves 37,266 buildings in six years, warns against buying farmland
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Government has approved 37,266 building permits in the last six years, expanding its planning permit coverage to include residential, commercial, mixed-use, and institutional developments.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. He revealed that in 2024 alone, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) approved 95 hospitals, 27 petrol stations, 151 shopping malls, and 95 schools.
Between May and December 2024, during an amnesty window offered to property owners for permit regularisation, LASPPPA received 18,489 applications and granted 8,856 approvals.
The amnesty period was divided into three phases:
May–July 2024: 2,151 approvals
August–October 2024: 3,570 approvals from 6,402 applications
November–December 2024: 3,135 approvals from 7,210 applications
Olumide warned residents against buying land designated for agricultural purposes, particularly in Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Ikorodu. He noted that some property owners have unknowingly built on government-acquired farmland, sold to them by estate developers and local landowners.
“Most of the lands in Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Ikorodu are meant for agriculture but are being resold to unsuspecting buyers,” he said. “We advise all prospective buyers to verify land use status with the Ministry of Physical Planning before making any purchase.”
On complaints regarding approval delays, Olumide said some applicants lack required documentation such as tax clearance, while others build on restricted land.
In 2024 and 2025, the ministry received 95 petitions, mostly from the public against individuals, agencies, and officials. Of these, 35 were resolved, 32 were struck out, and 28 remain under review.
To enhance capacity, the state has also appointed 173 new town planning officers, sponsored staff participation in professional conferences, and introduced an Outstanding Officers’ Award to boost service excellence.
