Lagos has quietly done something that changes what a property owner can do from abroad: it moved building approvals fully online. Through the new Electronic Planning Permit Processing System (EPPPS) — live since 1 April 2026 and run by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) — developers and property owners can now apply for and obtain planning permits from anywhere in the world, 24/7. Manual, paper-based processing is now officially ended — the government says processing a permit manually from this point is illegal. For diaspora owners, this is big: you can get your building approval without flying home. But the flip side is sharper too — building without approval risks sanctions, including demolition.
Here’s a piece of Lagos news that actually changes what you can do, not just what you read about. The state has taken the whole building-approval process online. No more standing in queues at a planning office, no more “see me on the side” middlemen. If you own land in Lagos — especially if you own it from abroad — this matters to you directly. Let’s break down what happened and how to use it.
What is the EPPPS, in plain terms?
The Electronic Planning Permit Processing System (EPPPS) is Lagos State’s new online platform for applying for and receiving building/planning approvals. It went into full automation on 1 April 2026 and is powered by LASPPPA. The government describes it as fully automated (no human interference in approvals), transparent, secure, available 24 hours a day, and compliant with Nigeria’s data protection rules. In short: the approval process that used to mean paperwork and physical visits now happens on a website.
Worth knowing: A planning permit is what the Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning called the “birth certificate” of a building. It gives your structure legal recognition and — importantly — makes you eligible for compensation if the government ever acquires your land for public infrastructure. No permit, no birth certificate.
Why this is a big deal for diaspora owners
This is the part that changes the game for Nigerians abroad. Until now, getting a building approval usually meant someone physically running around a planning office on your behalf — a classic point where money leaks and things “get complicated.” With EPPPS, you can apply from London, Houston or Toronto, track it yourself, and deal with a transparent system instead of a chain of middlemen. If you’re building from abroad, this removes one of the biggest friction points in the whole project. Pair it with the safeguards in our guide to buying and building from abroad.
What it means for you, practically
| If you’re… | What to do now |
|---|---|
| Planning to build in Lagos | Use EPPPS directly — don’t pay a “fixer” for something you can now do online yourself |
| A diaspora owner | You can apply and track your approval from abroad; you no longer need someone to do it in person |
| Already building without approval | Regularise now — unapproved buildings face sanctions, including demolition |
| Using an agent or “connection” | Manual/side processing is now illegal; insist everything goes through the official platform |
Watch out: Because manual processing is now banned, anyone offering to “sort your approval” outside the platform is offering you an illegal — and likely fake — approval. That’s a demolition risk waiting to happen. If someone can produce a “permit” without you touching the EPPPS platform, treat it as a red flag and verify directly with LASPPPA.
The bigger picture
Lagos processed around 18,000 planning permits in 2024 and wants to reach 40,000–45,000 a year to keep up with how fast the city is growing. Moving approvals online is how they plan to get there — cutting the delays that the state itself admits have cost developers 12–18 months and pushed prices up. It won’t be perfect on day one (few government platforms are), but the direction is genuinely good for anyone who builds honestly: less friction, less bribery, more traceability.
And it pairs with the other big 2026 change every Lagos buyer should know — the sharp rise in land transaction fees under the new Blue Book valuation. If you’re budgeting a purchase or a build, read that alongside this: our breakdown of the true total cost of buying land in Nigeria has the numbers.
Building or buying in Lagos? Verify everything before you commit. Our free Land & Property Verification Checklist covers the documents and approvals to confirm — so nothing catches you out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really get a Lagos building approval from abroad now?
Yes. Through the EPPPS platform, developers and owners can apply for and obtain planning permits from anywhere in the world, at any time. It’s designed specifically to remove the need to be physically present.
Is manual building approval still allowed in Lagos?
No. As of the full EPPPS rollout, all applications must go through the platform. The state has said processing planning permits manually is now illegal, so avoid anyone offering off-platform “approvals.”
What happens if I build without a planning permit in Lagos?
Buildings erected without the required approval are liable to sanctions, including demolition. A permit also gives your building legal recognition and makes you eligible for compensation if the land is later acquired for public use.
Who runs the EPPPS platform?
The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). The system is fully automated, available 24/7, and compliant with Nigeria’s data protection regulation.
Sources: Lagos State Government notice via Nairametrics (22 July 2026) and LASPPPA/Ministry of Physical Planning statements; permit-target figures from Lagos State (2024–2026). Last updated: July 2026. Journalists and researchers may cite this with attribution to LandsofNigeria.com.
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