In a bid to deepen industry knowledge and reinforce compliance with physical planning regulations, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has conducted a comprehensive training session for key players in the housing sector, focusing on the fundamentals and importance of obtaining planning permits in Lagos State.
The two-day capacity-building engagement, organised on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, took place on Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The event brought together stakeholders from the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, and members of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), among other partners, under the banner of the “REDAN Certification Course.”
During the session, the General Manager of LASPPPA, Town Planner Kehinde Osinaike, led participants through an in-depth presentation on the rudiments of physical planning permits. He outlined the required documentation for permit applications, the detailed step-by-step approval process, categories of planning permits available, and the statutory roles of other allied government agencies in the permit chain.
Osinaike also shed light on LASPPPA’s services and operational scope, highlighting the legal framework governing planning activities within Lagos State. He stressed the significance of obtaining planning permits not only as a regulatory requirement but also as a strategic measure to ensure structured urban development, promote public safety, and avert avoidable human and material losses.
According to the LASPPPA boss, non-compliance with planning regulations poses serious risks to both developers and the public. He noted that adherence to planning laws enhances the aesthetic appeal of communities, supports infrastructural planning, and fosters a safer, more resilient built environment.
A notable highlight of the event was the introduction of an innovative monitoring tool, the LASPPPA Bar Code system, designed to simplify access to vital building information. This scannable feature allows prospective buyers, regulators, and other stakeholders to instantly verify the approval status of buildings, including details such as permit status, designated use, and the number of approved floors.
Speaking during the training, Professor Timothy Nubi of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, applauded LASPPPA for its proactive efforts in raising awareness about physical planning standards. He particularly commended the Authority’s initiative in launching the Bar Code technology, describing it as a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability in the real estate and construction sectors.
Professor Nubi further emphasised that the knowledge shared during the session was timely and relevant, especially in guiding developers and professionals to operate within the bounds of the law while contributing to a safer and more orderly Lagos.
The interactive session wrapped up with a robust question-and-answer segment, which gave participants the opportunity to seek clarifications and engage further on critical aspects of the planning permit process. Many attendees described the training as enlightening and called for its replication across other sectors connected to Lagos State’s urban development ecosystem.
The initiative forms part of LASPPPA’s broader strategy to promote awareness, encourage voluntary compliance, and build synergy between regulators and key industry stakeholders in achieving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a well-planned, safe, and livable Lagos.
