WorldStage– Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday said Lagos needed a smarter and more accountable planning system to match its rapid growth in recent years.
He said the state had witnessed rising population, business activity and development, demanding a modern and transparent approach to planning.
The governor spoke at the launch of the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS), designed to modernise land administration and strengthen urban development.
The platform aims to deliver building approvals in as little as 10 minutes.
The EPPPS is a digital, multi-agency platform for processing planning applications to streamline approvals and promote sustainable development.
Sanwo-Olu described the platform as a major step forward in managing land use, building approvals and Lagos’ rapid growth.
He said the paper-based system could no longer serve a megacity of more than 20 million residents.
He noted that the EPPPS would reshape how Lagos plans, regulates and guides its continuing expansion.
He added that the system aligned with the state’s agenda on innovation, governance reform and a resilient modern economy.
According to him, the government developed the platform with technical partners as part of wider digitisation efforts.
He said earlier administrations made progress in planning reforms and the new platform continued that long-term work.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos might be late by a decade, but the opportunity to make progress was now.
He stressed the importance of acting decisively to modernise planning and improve public service delivery.
The governor assured workers that the platform would not displace staff but improve professional capacity and efficiency.
He said the goal was to equip officers with digital tools and reduce reliance on paper-based processes.
He acknowledged that no digital system was perfect, but Lagos would refine the platform based on user feedback.
Sanwo-Olu said the EPPPS would allow residents to submit applications online and track approvals without visiting offices.
He said the platform would speed up approvals, cut delays, reduce interference and uphold professional standards.
He added that the system would enhance accountability, curb corruption and produce reliable data for infrastructure planning.
He said the reform aimed to balance development with environmental sustainability while improving land administration.
According to him, the system’s biggest beneficiaries would be residents enjoying faster and more transparent services.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the innovation aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s national technology agenda.
He said Lagos must be digitally managed to justify its status as Africa’s most connected megacity.
The governor commended the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development and all partner agencies for their roles.
He urged stakeholders to embrace the system and promised a full performance review within six months.
He said the launch marked the start of another important journey in Lagos’ development.
Sanwo-Olu said the platform would help Lagos maintain its master plan and ensure safe and responsible urban growth.
Also, Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, said the system would enhance Lagos’ visibility as a megacity.
