By: Tijani Salako.

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to modernise physical planning administration with the sensitisation of stakeholders on the Electronic Physical Planning Permit System (e-PPPS), a digital platform introduced to simplify and fast-track physical planning processes across the state.

The sensitisation programme, held in Alausa, brought together government officials, town planners, developers and other stakeholders in the built environment to deepen awareness on the functionality and benefits of the new digital system.

Speaking at the engagement, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to deploying technology-driven solutions to improve service delivery and strengthen urban management.

According to him, the e-PPPS forms part of broader efforts by the state government to establish a fully digital infrastructure for physical planning administration while also enhancing the ease of doing business in Lagos State’s construction and real estate sectors.

He explained that the digital platform would help reduce delays associated with manual processing, improve transparency in permit administration and ensure greater accountability in the approval process.

Olumide urged stakeholders, developers and residents to actively utilise the platform, stressing that its successful implementation would promote efficiency and ensure that all development activities within the state comply with laid down planning regulations.

“The introduction of this platform is another strategic step toward improving governance in the built environment. We are committed to ensuring that physical planning processes become more transparent, efficient and accessible to all stakeholders,” he said.

The commissioner further reiterated the government’s resolve to curb illegal developments and strengthen regulatory compliance through the deployment of digital monitoring and approval systems.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Abdul Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, commended the initiative, describing it as a major innovation capable of improving compliance and boosting revenue generation within the built environment sector.

He noted that integrating technology into governance processes would eliminate many of the bottlenecks associated with manual operations while ensuring seamless and more efficient service delivery.

Ogungbo added that the digital platform would also strengthen data management and improve coordination among relevant government agencies involved in planning administration and revenue collection.

Providing technical insight into the operations of the platform, Victor Akinyelure described the e-PPPS as a comprehensive “one-stop shop” designed to cater for all physical planning requirements.

According to him, the web-based platform enables users to submit applications online, process approvals, obtain permits and access stage certifications, including building certification processes, without the need for multiple visits to government offices.

He explained that the system was developed to align with global best practices in digital governance and urban planning administration.

“The system is designed to promote transparency, efficiency and a smart processing experience for all users, in line with global best practices,” Akinyelure stated.

He further explained that the platform would significantly reduce turnaround time for approvals and improve interaction between applicants and regulatory authorities.

The Lagos State Government also reaffirmed that the e-PPPS would enable stakeholders to conveniently apply for permits and fitness certificates from any location, thereby simplifying procedures and enhancing operational efficiency.

Stakeholders at the event commended the initiative, describing it as a welcome development capable of transforming planning administration and improving investor confidence in the state’s property and construction sectors.

Other dignitaries present at the engagement included the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, district officers of the Office of Physical Planning, as well as representatives of professional bodies and other stakeholders in the built environment sector.