The Lagos State Government has officially ended the era of paper-based and semi-digital processing for construction and planning permits within the state. The announcement, made by Dr. Olajide Abiodun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Geographic Information Systems and Urban Development, marks a decisive shift toward a fully automated permitting framework under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
According to Dr. Abiodun, Lagos State has entered a new phase characterized by digital-first processing of Planning Permissions, Authorisations to Commence Construction Works, Stage Certification, and related services. The transition is anchored on the Electronic Physical Planning Process System, commonly referred to as EPPPS, which serves as the central digital platform for all planning-related transactions managed through the e-GIS and Urban Development Office.
"We are phasing out the old to make way for the new," Dr. Abiodun stated, emphasizing that the state had formally addressed the public on the substantial progress achieved through EPPPS and other operational pillars. The infrastructure supporting this overhaul has been thoroughly prepared and tested before going live.
Central to the success of the migration is the complete readiness of supporting systems across all operational districts. The state has achieved 100 percent training and retraining of personnel involved in permit processing, 100 percent Computer Systems deployment across every district office of LASPPPA and LASBCA, and 100 percent internet connectivity rollout connecting all district offices to the central platform. These milestones were confirmed as fully operational and tested prior to the April 1, 2026 launch date.
With the digital system now fully operational, manual processing of physical planning permits has been completely discontinued and outlawed throughout Lagos State. Any individual or entity continuing to process planning permits through paper-based or offline methods following the April 1, 2026 effective date is operating illegally and in violation of state regulations. All applications must now be submitted exclusively through the EPPPS platform.
Dr. Abiodun clarified that obtaining planning approval through EPPPS represents only one step in the regulatory journey. Permit holders must immediately follow up by applying for their Authorisation to Commence Construction Works and stage certifications through the same digital platform. To enforce compliance, the government has established a dedicated task force responsible for monitoring adherence to these requirements across the state.
Separately, the state government has introduced the Certified Authorised Professionals Partnership, known as CAP, as a strategic public-private initiative designed to strengthen the Lagos State Building Control Agency's capacity to enforce strict building development compliance. Under CAP, accredited private-sector professionals work alongside LASBCA officials in monitoring and inspecting building projects throughout the construction lifecycle.
Government officials have framed CAP as a multi-benefit approach that will substantially reduce the risk of building collapses while accelerating project delivery timelines. The partnership model is expected to increase inspection coverage, improve technical oversight, and bring greater efficiency to the construction sector across Lagos State.