Builders to brace up as Lagos Introduces Separate Screening Fee in Building Plan Approval Process
The Lagos State Government has introduced a new separate screening fee for building plan approvals as part of its ongoing urban development reforms aimed at strengthening building safety, transparency, and compliance within the construction ecosystem.
The reform, announced by Dr. Babatunde, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, marks a major shift in the approval process managed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
The Building Plan initiative, which separates screening fees from stage certification charges, is designed to improve accountability and reduce bureaucracy in processing building plans.
“After obtaining approval from LASPPPA, all drawings will be sent to LASBCA for quality screening, and a modest screening fee will be charged. The process ensures that every building plan undergoes professional assessment by both Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP) agents and LASBCA’s internal experts,” Babatunde explained.
He emphasized that the dual review system ensures technical compliance, reinforces structural integrity, and enhances public confidence in Lagos’ fast-growing built environment.
Reform Targets Safer Buildings, Stronger Professional Oversight
According to Dr. Babatunde, the state is determined to transform Lagos into a 21st-century urban model where residents can live and work without fear of building collapse or substandard construction practices.
To achieve this, the government is leveraging private-sector expertise through the Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP) — a partnership model that brings qualified engineers, architects, and builders into the approval and inspection process.
“LASBCA has the technical expertise but limited manpower. Partnering with CAP professionals expands our operational reach while ensuring that every project, regardless of size or location, is properly supervised,” he noted.
Under the programme, CAP agents will screen building plans, inspect construction sites, and issue stage certifications, ensuring that safety standards are strictly upheld from design to completion.
Towards Full Digitalisation of Lagos Building Approvals
Dr. Babatunde further revealed that the government is moving toward a fully electronic building approval system by early 2026.
All plan submissions and payments will soon be made online under a new e-Physical Planning Platform, ensuring speed, traceability, and zero-contact transactions — a move designed to eliminate corruption and human interference in approval processes.
“For transparency, all drawings from LASPPPA will be sent to CAP agents through DHL while we transition to a fully digital process. By February 2026, the entire system will be automated,” he added.
He clarified that while the screening fee has been separated, there is no increase in existing stage certification fees. The public will retain the right to engage LASBCA directly for billing or dispute resolution.
Professionals Applaud Lagos’ Safety Reforms
The move has received widespread support from industry professionals, who say it signals a strong intent by the government to improve building integrity and compliance enforcement.
Mr. Gbenga Ismail, Immediate Past Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (Lagos Branch), commended the reform, noting that collaboration between regulators and professionals would help reduce risks of building collapse.
“This partnership enhances accountability and professional monitoring. When private accreditors work hand-in-hand with the government, unsafe practices become easier to detect early,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Florence Gbaye, Acting General Manager of LASBCA, urged professionals to take greater ownership of site compliance.
“No building should proceed without certified professionals on site. Preventing collapse is a shared duty between government, experts, and the public,” she said.
Mr. Owolabi Ayoola, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Building (Lagos Chapter), added that proper documentation and compliance forms must become mandatory before any project proceeds to the next construction phase.
BRANDECONOMY ANALYSIS: New Fee Structure — A Step Toward Accountability or Added Financial Burden?
While the Lagos State Government presents the new screening fee as a transparency and safety measure, questions remain about its financial implications for builders and homeowners.
Industry analysts note that separating fees can clarify billing and reduce hidden charges, but warn that without efficient oversight, the policy could unintentionally increase total approval costs, especially for small-scale developers.
Key Implications of the New System:
✅ Improved safety oversight through CAP integration and dual-layer screening.
✅ Faster approvals as processes become digital and decentralised.
✅ Stronger accountability and clearer financial reporting for applicants.
⚠️ Potential short-term cost concerns if screening fees add to already high construction expenses.
However, experts agree that long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs. Enhanced quality control could reduce structural failures, lower insurance premiums, and attract mortgage investors who prioritize compliance in property valuation.
Ultimately, the success of this reform will depend on how efficiently Lagos implements full digitalization and how transparent billing remains as the system scales.
