By Grace Alegba

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged residents to always obtain planning permits before embarking on any development.

He also warned that attacks on enforcement officials will no longer be tolerated.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Sam Egube, gave the warning at the 2025 stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) in Oregun.

The engagement, with the theme “Planning Permit: The Rebirth”, was aimed at sensitising stakeholders and the public to reforms and emerging issues in town planning.

The governor stressed that planning was central to sustainable development, likening a permit to a birth certificate for every building, a vital document that ensures legitimacy, safety, and adherence to standards.

“Without it, we risk chaos, unsafe structures and communities that lack the necessary infrastructure to thrive,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is both a national and international gateway, hence the need for orderliness in development in the state in line with global standards.

Sanwo-Olu commended LASPPPA for its grassroots enlightenment campaigns, including roadshows, debates, and public awareness drives.

He, however, lamented that some estates still lock out officials and residents attack them during lawful enforcement exercises.

He urged stakeholders to resist such acts of lawlessness, saying compliance was key to safeguarding lives, investments, and community standards.

Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged residents to avoid cutting corners because the law would eventually catch up with deviants, adding that his administration remained committed to streamlining approval processes.

“This administration will not condone attacks on officials enforcing the laws that make living good for all of us.

“Physical planning is about the future and the Lagos we aspire to pass on to our children,” he said.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, said that the level of approved buildings in the state was low, noting that the government wants to correct it.

Mr Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, said Thursday’s demolition at the Trade Fair Complex was due to illegal structures erected on 300 hectares without approvals.

Also speaking, the Bajuilaye of Lagos, Chief Ayodele Oyekan, appealed to residents to support government officials, urging aggrieved persons to channel complaints through proper agencies rather than resorting to violence.

“You don’t need to attack the government officials. Please if you want to live in Lagos, abide by the government rules,” he said.

Former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr Toyin Ayinde, who delivered a lecture, commended LASPPPA for decentralising operations with 52 district offices, automating processes, and expanding its social media presence.

He, however, called for a one-stop-shop approach to eliminate overlapping functions among agencies and strengthen sustainable development.

Other speakers, including urban planner Abimbola Onaneye, highlighted the role of traditional institutions in land allocation and urged collaboration between government and residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa