By Kayode Olopade
In a landmark move to modernise urban governance and enhance ease of doing business, the Lagos State Government has officially commenced the full automation of its physical planning and land administration processes, outlawing the manual processing of planning permits across the state.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, during a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat.
Dr. Babatunde disclosed that the transition is anchored on the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS), a web-based platform designed to streamline the processing of planning permissions, authorisations to commence construction works, and stage certifications.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to deploy technology in improving service delivery, transparency, and operational efficiency within the built environment sector.
“The full automation of our planning permit process commenced on April 1, 2026. Let me be unequivocally clear: the manual processing of physical planning permits has been completely discontinued and outlawed in Lagos State. Anyone processing planning permits manually from this date is engaging in an illegal activity,” Babatunde stated.l
The Special Adviser revealed that the state has achieved 100 per cent training and retraining of personnel, alongside complete deployment of computer systems and internet connectivity across all district offices of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
He noted that once applicants receive planning approvals through the EPPPS platform, they can seamlessly proceed to apply for Authorisation to Commence Construction Works and Stage Certifications, thereby ensuring end-to-end digital service delivery.
To guarantee compliance, Babatunde announced the establishment of a task force under his office to monitor adherence to the new system and enforce the Governor’s directive.
Beyond EPPPS, the government also introduced the Certified Accredited Programme (CAP)—a strategic Public-Private Partnership aimed at strengthening the capacity of LASBCA. The programme allows accredited private professionals to collaborate with the agency in monitoring building projects and ensuring strict compliance with building codes.
According to Babatunde, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of building collapses while accelerating project delivery.
“CAP is a win for safety, a win for the construction industry, and a win for Lagosians,” he said.
In a bid to decentralise land administration services, Babatunde announced that the e-GIS Regional Office in Ikeja has commenced operations. The facility serves as a customer-facing hub for digitised land administration activities, reducing the need for residents to travel to Alausa for land-related inquiries.
He added that additional divisional offices across the state would soon become operational, further enhancing accessibility.
Powering the e-GIS ecosystem is the Aumentum Software, a robust digital platform designed to manage land records and facilitate the electronic processing of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O). The system replaces the traditional reliance on physical files, ensuring secure, searchable, and faster processing of land titles.
Babatunde noted that the innovation would significantly boost investor confidence in the Lagos real estate market by guaranteeing the integrity of the state’s land registry.
The government also unveiled the Moola Tracker, a software solution integrated with Aumentum to streamline the perfection of mortgage consent. The Special Adviser disclosed that the new system reduces the process from 29 manual steps to just eight, drastically cutting processing time and improving efficiency for financial institutions and property owners.
Importantly, he clarified that the digitisation does not introduce new charges.
“This is not a new law, and we are not adding any extra fees. The statutory 2.5 per cent fee remains exactly as it traditionally has been. We are simply bringing technology to solve the problem of delay and to encourage more people to safely leverage their properties,” he explained.
Babatunde emphasised that the integrated digital reforms underscore Lagos State’s commitment to smart governance, transparency, and economic growth. He urged residents, developers, and financial institutions to embrace the new platforms and comply strictly with approved procedures.
“Lagos State is setting a new benchmark for governance. We are unlocking efficiency, reducing risks, and removing the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically frustrated developers, property owners, and investors,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to circumvent the approved digital channels or revert to manual processes would be treated as illegal and sanctioned accordingly.
The launch of EPPPS, alongside CAP, Aumentum, the Moola Tracker, and the decentralised e-GIS offices, signals a transformative shift in Lagos State’s urban development and land administration landscape. The initiatives are expected to enhance regulatory compliance, improve service delivery, and reinforce the state’s position as a prime destination for real estate investment.
As Babatunde concluded, “We are sending a strong message that Lagos State is fully open for business. Let us work together to build a smarter, safer, and more prosperous Lagos.”
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