Lagos begins electronic processing, certification of building permits
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Government has launched a sweeping reform, replacing manual building permit processes with a fully digital system.
At a briefing, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Olajide, said residents must now use the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS) for all applications.
He described the initiative as a major step toward a more efficient, transparent, and scalable urban planning framework.
Olajide announced that full automation took effect on April 1, 2026, with manual processing completely abolished.
He warned that any attempt to process permits outside the digital platform now constitutes illegal activity.
To support the transition, staff of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and Lagos State Building Control Agency have been trained and equipped with necessary technology.
The government also introduced a policy requiring building certifications to be renewed every five years.
According to sources, a monitoring task force will enforce compliance, while the Certified Accredited Programme will engage private professionals to improve oversight and reduce building collapses.
