Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared an end to arbitrary planning approvals, emphasizing the government's commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability. Speaking at the inauguration of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee on Tuesday, the governor stressed that no regulatory system is infallible and that citizens must have a pathway for redress.
Committee Mandate and Legal Basis
The Appeals Committee, established under Section 79 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, is empowered to investigate and decide on matters related to planning permit applications, development plans, change of use, demolition orders, and the conduct of planning officials. Under Section 82 of the same law, the committee can call for documents, summon witnesses, and issue binding orders enforceable by relevant agencies, similar to High Court orders.
Key Regulatory Agencies
Sanwo-Olu noted that the physical planning system in Lagos operates through two key agencies: the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, which grants development permits, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, which monitors construction and enforces safety standards. These agencies face immense pressure in one of the world's most demanding urban environments, but their decisions can sometimes be erroneous.
Redress for Aggrieved Parties
The governor emphasized that developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and other construction professionals now have an independent body to appeal decisions they believe are unfair or incorrect. For instance, if a permit application is refused unjustifiably, or a demolition notice is disputed, the affected party has 28 days to appeal. The committee is also empowered to investigate allegations of improper conduct by regulatory officers.
Balancing Safety and Fairness
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the serious building safety challenges in Lagos, citing building collapses that have claimed lives. He cautioned that the right to appeal must not be used to circumvent safety regulations. When evidence supports regulatory action, the committee must affirm it clearly and firmly.
Conclusion
The inauguration marks a structural commitment to accountability in Lagos's planning laws. Sanwo-Olu stated that a government that regulates without providing for review places itself beyond accountability. The committee's work will be crucial in building public confidence in the planning system while preserving human life through robust building regulation.
