Sanwo-Olu government offers discounts and amnesty to homeowners in Lagos

The Lagos government has offered a rebate and amnesty program to encourage homeowners to obtain necessary permits and comply with building regulations.

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

The commissioner said these initiatives were aimed at ensuring public safety and promoting a sustainable urban environment by encouraging compliance with building regulations.

Olumide announced that public servants would receive a 40 per cent discount on planning permits to encourage them to follow proper procedures for their properties.

Olumide added: “In a bid to ensure that the state maintains its high level of development, the Lagos State Government has announced a 40 per cent refund on planning permit payments to Lagosians. “This is to encourage property owners in the state to do the right thing by ensuring their properties pass all official procedures.”

Olumide said owners of unauthorized buildings were also granted a 90-day amnesty period during which they could apply for permits without facing penalties.

He said this was aimed at addressing existing non-compliance and promoting a more regularized construction environment.

Olumide added: “The amnesty initiative would allow owners and developers of existing buildings to obtain planning permissions without payment of statutory criminal fees within the amnesty period of May 2 to July 30, 2024, with a discount of five percent applicable to completed payments. within ten business days following the issuance of the law.”

He described the incentives, reimbursement to public officials and the amnesty program as a relief measure to mitigate the effects of the current economic difficulties experienced on the built environment.

He advised applicants to submit their documents for review at the Lagos State Physical Planning Permits Authority (LASPPPA) head office and LASPPPA district offices in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs.

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

He believed that to achieve this goal it would be necessary for everyone to comply with building regulations.

The commissioner warned that failure to comply would incur the wrath of the government positioned to do so, benefiting the largest number of Lagosians. He said the administration would not compromise the safety of any person in Lagos.

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

He highlighted some of the achievements of the Lagos State Physical Planning Office over the past year. According to him, the office achieved more than 74 percent granting of planning permits in the last year.

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

(YAYA)