The Lagos state government says intending property developers should not pay for planning information, as obtaining the document remains free of charge in the state.

A statement signed on Friday by Mukaila Sanusi, spokesman for the state ministry of physical planning and urban development, asked developers to obtain the information through the physical planning department of the Ministry.

The statement said the commissioner, Idris Salako, issued the directive Thursday, while presenting a progress report on the Lagos State Electronic Physical Planning System developed by his ministry.

Mr Salako explained that planning information was important for guiding developers on the assigned use of sites intended for building constructions.

“Planning information gives information on land use and helps reduce infractions in the built environment,” he said.

The commissioner said the state government had always maintained planning information as social service to the public free of charge.

He advised Lagos residents to take advantage of, “this important service as a prerequisite for determining whether to go ahead or not with a Physical Development Plan in relation to a given site.”

He said accessibility to the services had consistently improved the state’s ease of doing business rating whilst contributing to the achievement of the THEMES agenda of making Lagos a 21st century economy.

“In view of it’s importance, planning information is being considered as an integral part of the ongoing efforts to adopt electronic physical planning system in the state,” Mr Salako said.