The Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development has urged officers of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to maintain high ethical standards as the ongoing Amnesty Programme continues to attract more applications.

The Lagos state commissioner for physical planning and urban development, Oluyinka Olumide, said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

The statement was issued by Mukaila Sanusi, director, public affairs of the ministry.

He gave the charge during a meeting with the management staff of LASPPPA at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja.

Mr Olumide said the rise in submissions across LASPPPA district offices was expected.

He noted that the Amnesty Programme, which runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025, allows owners of already completed but unapproved buildings to regularise their properties without paying statutory penalties, provided they meet planning and safety requirements.

The commissioner commended residents for responding quickly but said LASPPPA officers must step up their operations to manage the increased workload.

“As experienced planning officers, you must ensure faster processing, strict compliance checks and clear communication with applicants.

“It is your responsibility to treat applicants with utmost respect,” he said.

Mr Olumide reminded the officers that only buildings that met minimum acceptable standards should receive approvals.

He stressed that the programme was not an automatic approval exercise but a deliberate effort to promote orderly and safe development in the state.

He also urged district officers to support applicants, eliminate unnecessary delays and avoid shortcuts or unethical practices.

He said all applications must be handled efficiently, transparently and professionally.

He advised residents to submit their applications at any of the 57 LASPPPA district offices or through the Electronic Planning Permit portal.

He also reminded them to provide all required documents such as survey plans, proof of ownership and as-built drawings.

Mr Olumide encouraged property owners to take advantage of the Amnesty window, noting that the surge in applications demonstrated that many residents were willing to comply with planning regulations.

(NAN)