*ED/CEO of Lagos Trade Fair Complex, Erelu Barr. Vera Ndanusa and APT President, who doubles as Stakeholders chairman, Chief Eric Ilechukwu (Akunwafor-Anyirico)
…Gives Signal of Demolitions in January if…
Further to the need to avoid another round of demolitions any time from January 2026, the Lagos State Government has advised traders and the management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, to take advantage of the reintroduced Planning Permit Amnesty Programme (PPAP) to easily regularise the permits for their plazas and buildings within the complex.
Business Hilights reports that the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, in a statement issued by the Chief Public Affairs Officer of Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Adetola Kehinde-Akinsanya noted that it has become necessary to remind property owners in trade fair on the need for PPAP as some Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies had already embraced the programme.
He listed some agencies, such as the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, noting that they had begun regularising their buildings under the amnesty programme.
The commissioner advised the management of the trade fair complex to obtain planning permits for all affected structures within the amnesty period, noting that the amnesty was approved by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Building approval is not negotiable for all structures in Lagos State, as provided by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019 (as amended),” Olumide said.
He said that owners of buildings without approval should key into the programme to avoid future enforcement actions.
He said that proper planning approval was important for achieving a livable, sustainable city.
The commissioner said the current amnesty window, the third under the Sanwo-Olu administration, began on Nov. 1 and would end on Dec. 31.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu reintroduced the Planning Permit Amnesty Programme following appeals from property owners, who missed earlier opportunities to regularise their buildings.
This is the third time the programme has been revived to assist owners of unapproved buildings to regularise their property without paying the usual penal fees for building without a permit.
The programme would help property owners avoid legal issues, enforcement actions, and penalties, while ensuring proper documentation of developments across the state.
To obtain a planning permit, property owners are required to submit proof of ownership or title documents, a survey plan, architectural “as-built” drawings, and, where necessary, structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings.
Other requirements include a non-destructive integrity test report, structural stability and indemnity letter, land use planning analysis report, evidence of tax compliance, and other relevant supporting documents.
Efforts to get the views and stand of Lagos Trade Fair Stakeholders Association (TFSA), who doubles as the President of Association of Progressive Traders (APT), Chief Eric Ilechukwu or the ED/CEO of the complex, Barr. Vera Ndanusa failed at press time.
The 61 days PPAP which started on November 1st ends December 31st and there are strong indications that demolitions may follow immediately.
As at the time of filing this report, Business Hilights cannot confirm if every plaza owners without permit from the Lagos State Government have made up their minds to make use of the PPAP or if the LITFCMB will approach the State Government on behalf of stakeholders as advised by the commissioner.
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