The Lagos government has offered a discount and amnesty programme to encourage property owners to get the necessary permits and comply with building regulations.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this at a press briefing on Wednesday in Lagos to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

The commissioner said these initiatives aimed to ensure public safety and promote a sustainable urban environment by encouraging adherence to building regulations.

Mr Olumide announced that civil servants would receive a 40 per cent rebate on planning permits to encourage them to follow the proper procedures for their properties.

Mr Olumide added, “In a bid to ensure that the state maintains its high developmental standard, Lagos state government has announced a 40 per cent rebate on planning permit payment to Lagosians. This is to encourage property owners in the state to do the right thing by ensuring their properties pass all official procedures.”

Mr Olumide said that property owners with unpermitted buildings were also given a 90-day amnesty period during which they could apply for permits without facing penalties.

He said this was meant to address existing non-compliance and promote a more regularised building environment.

Mr Olumide added, “The amnesty initiative would allow owners and developers of existing buildings to obtain planning permits without the payment of statutory penal fees within the amnesty window from May 2 to July 30, 2024, with a five per cent discount applicable to payments completed within ten working days of the bill’s issuance.”

He described the incentives, the rebate to civil servants, and the amnesty programme as a relief measure to mitigate the effects of the current economic hardship experienced in the built environment.

He advised applicants to submit their documents for review at the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) Head Office and LASPPPA District Offices across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs.

Additionally, Mr Olumide emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a “Lagos Smart City” with a well-functioning physical environment.

He believed achieving this goal would require everyone to comply with building regulations.

The commissioner warned that non-compliance would draw the wrath of the government positioned to do that, benefiting the largest number of Lagosians. He said the administration would not compromise the safety of any individual in Lagos.

Mr Olumide solicited the continued cooperation of the general public to adhere strictly to the physical planning laws of Lagos by following the standard steps for building planning and construction. When followed, he said these standard steps would help promote safety and an orderly, livable, and sustainable environment for the people’s well-being.

He highlighted some of the Lagos State Office of Physical Planning’s achievements over the past year. The office, according to him, achieved over 74 per cent grant of Planning Permits in the last one year.

He said it also prepared and reviewed  Master Plans and Model City Plans such as the Lagos Island Model City Plan and Alimosho Model City Plan. Others are the preparation of nine action area plans, nine development guide plans and the delivery of the right of way for 16 public infrastructure projects in Lagos.

(NAN)