Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Lagos chapter, Omotayo Awomosu, yesterday, appealed to the state government to effect a 50 per cent reduction in permit fee for building projects.

He made the appeal at a forum to mark the chapter’s yearly general meeting and 40th anniversary in Alausa, Ikeja.

The state government, had recently, raised permit rate by 100 per cent, a development that was opposed by stakeholders.

Awomosu insisted that the increment offended existing planning regulations, describing the decision as prohibitive and retrogressive.

The institute pointed out the likely negative effects on urban development, adding that it would increase cost.

The chairman said the development would lead to proliferation of illegal constructions and growth of slums.

He said: “The recent increment in building plan assessment rates across board in the state has been generating a lot of rancour and heated reactions in the sector.”

While lauding the government for investing heavily in physical development plans in recent times, Awomosu advised the current administration to formulate a regional plan for the state and master plan for Lagos Mega City to guide its sustainable development.

According to him, it is also essential to prepare local plans for all communities in the state.

On his part, one of the founding fathers and president of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Sulaimon Yusuf, said over the years, Lagos has been blessed with hardworking town planners, stating: “The government has taken planning seriously. The more plans you have, the brighter the city will be. NITP should pressurise the government to implement existing physical plans.”

IN a related development, the Niger State government has issued a 21-day ultimatum, beginning from September 19, to Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) holders with outstanding ground rent to pay up or face legal action.

The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Maurice Bello Magaji, gave the warning in a statement obtained by reporters yesterday in Minna.

He also warned that titles to undeveloped property issued in the last two years would be revoked if not developed within 60 days.

The commissioner explained that the notice affects urban areas such as Minna, Suleja, Bida, Kontagora and New Bussa.