The Chief Executive Officer of Mauhomesng, a multiple award-winning real estate agency in Nigeria, Maureen Ibeh has highlighted the increasing significance of building approval as a legal identity for homes in Lagos State. For a city that never ceases to expand, Lagos has gradually transitioned from unregulated chaos to structured order — a shift that didn’t occur overnight.

What was once perceived as mere bureaucratic delay or governmental hassle has evolved into the most crucial proof of legitimacy for property owners and investors. The change was not solely driven by enforcement officers wielding sledgehammers or by court injunctions against developers. Instead, it was forged in the aftermath of courtroom battles, overnight demolitions, and the long queues at Alausa. It resonated in the cries of families evicted from multi-million naira homes and in the silent regrets of those who once dismissed building approval as an optional formality.

The echoes of bulldozers tearing down unapproved structures in Ikota and Ajah became a powerful sermon, underscoring the critical need for proper documentation. To understand how a government-issued permit became the most powerful identity card for buildings in Lagos, it is essential to trace the evolution back to the early 2000s. During that period, Lagos was characterised by rampant real estate growth, with buildings springing up unchecked on wetlands, floodplains, under high-tension wires, and even on government-acquired land. The consequences were disastrous — blocked drainage systems, chaotic urban planning, and rising incidents of flooding and building collapse.

The turning point came in 2010 when the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law was enacted, mandating that all prospective builders must obtain planning permission from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). The law was not a mere formality but a declaration by the state that the era of unchecked construction was over. Developers were now expected to adhere strictly to planning regulations or face severe consequences.

However, many developers remained complacent, believing that money, influence, or local connections would shield them from enforcement. For a time, they were right. But when the government introduced its enforcement-without-notice strategy, the landscape shifted dramatically. It became common to wake up to find a property sealed with red tape or completely flattened without warning. From Magodo to Badore, residents witnessed a swift and ruthless crackdown, driving home a new reality — any building without approval was as illegal as a counterfeit passport.

As the enforcement wave intensified, awareness campaigns helped reshape public perception. Property buyers began to demand building approval as a prerequisite for transactions, while banks made it mandatory for mortgage processing. A landmark case in 2017 further underscored the significance of building approval. In the matter of Folarin vs. LASG, a landowner whose property was demolished claimed victimhood. However, the court found that he had no building permit, no planning approval, and had encroached on a drainage space. The judge upheld the state’s action, asserting that ignorance of the law was no defense against urban development regulations.

Today, the real estate sector in Lagos is valued at over 10 trillion naira, with reputable developers such as Landmark and UPDC prominently displaying their building approvals on project billboards, not only as a compliance measure but as a marketing tool. Data from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning reveals a 45 percent increase in building permit applications between 2018 and 2023, a period during which more than 6,000 structures were sanctioned or demolished due to lack of permits.

The informal sector has also adjusted to the new reality. Artisans, estate agents, and Omonile now advise clients to secure approval before commencing construction. This shift in behaviour reflects a broader cultural shift in which building approval is no longer viewed as a mere bribe magnet or bureaucratic obstacle but as a legitimate legal identity.

Nevertheless, the journey toward total compliance is far from over. Thousands of buildings in Lagos remain unapproved, particularly in low-income areas, leaving them vulnerable not only to demolition but also to potential disasters. Many of the building collapses in neighborhoods such as Ebute Metta, Agege, and Idumota can be traced back to unapproved, substandard constructions.

A 2022 study by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners revealed that 65 percent of residents in Lagos do not fully understand the concept of building permits, often confusing them with Certificates of Occupancy or survey plans. This lack of awareness perpetuates the perception of enforcement as punitive rather than protective.

The government, therefore, has a critical role to play in bridging the knowledge gap. Beyond aggressive enforcement, it must invest in widespread community education, ensuring that everyone — from market women to mechanics — understands the importance of building approval, its implications, and the process of obtaining it. While the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has initiated community outreach programs, much more needs to be done to solidify the concept of building approval as the definitive legal identity for every structure in Lagos.