Lagos ends paper building approvals in digitalisation push

Lagos State has formally ended the manual processing of building approvals, mandating that all applications go through its new Electronic Planning Permit Processing System (EPPPS). The platform, which commenced full automation on April 1, 2026, allows developers to secure planning permits remotely from anywhere in the world. Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, warned that manual processing is now an illegal activity.

The government said the automated system eliminates human interference, replacing paper-driven approvals with a 24-hour web-based portal. “The Electronic Planning Permit Processing System (EPPPS) is a digital platform created to simplify and modernise how planning permits are processed in Lagos State,” the government said. It added: “Now, intending developers/owners of structures in Lagos State can apply for and get approvals for their developments without leaving their home from anywhere in the world. It is built to cut stress, speed up approvals, and bring transparency to physical planning across Lagos State.”

For real estate investors, the shift addresses a major bottleneck in one of Africa’s largest property markets. Administrative delays have historically slowed construction timelines, inflated holding costs, and introduced opacity into the development pipeline. By removing human interference from the evaluation process, the state is attempting to reduce regulatory friction and make the market more predictable for both domestic and foreign capital.

The platform is backed by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). It is compliant with the National Data Protection Regulation, which should alleviate data security concerns for international developers submitting sensitive project details. “EPPPS is powered by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and is part of the effort to make planning permits more efficient and accessible for all,” the government stated.

The reform is driven by a significant gap between current capacity and urban demand. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, disclosed that the ministry processed roughly 18,000 planning permit applications in 2024. The state now aims to issue between 40,000 and 45,000 permits annually to keep pace with rapid urbanisation.

Securing these approvals is critical for capital protection. Oluyinka described a planning permit as the “birth certificate” of a building, noting it provides legal recognition and ensures owners are eligible for compensation if land is acquired for public infrastructure. Crucially, the government warned that structures erected without required approvals remain liable to sanctions, including demolition.