Business
LASG Enforces Digital Building Permits, Declares Manual Process Illegal
In line with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s vision to build a more efficient, transparent and technology-driven governance system, the Lagos State Government has urged residents to ensure proper documentation of their properties, as the full automation of its Electronic Physical Planning Permit System (EPPPS) has begun since April 1, this year.
Speaking during a press conference held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said the initiative by the government is aimed at reducing the incidents of collapsed buildings and to position Lagos as a leader in digital governance and ease of doing business.
Babatunde added that Lagos State is “unlocking efficiency, reducing risks, and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks” for the benefit of citizens and investors alike, noting that the reform will reduce bureaucratic processes, leveraging technology.
Dr. Babatunde therefore urged those who have not taken advantage of the Electronic Physical Planning Permit System (EPPPS) before April 1 to turn in their documents to avoid the full wrath of the law.
He said the commencement of the full implementation of its Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS) has formally ended the manual processing of building approvals across the State, noting that the initiative signals “the dawn of a new era in digital processing of planning permissions” in Lagos.
Dr Babatunde explained that the EPPPS is a web-based platform designed to modernise operations, improve transparency and eliminate bottlenecks in the approval process. He said the system has achieved full operational readiness with 100 per cent training of personnel, complete deployment of computer systems and internet connectivity across all district offices.
He said: “The full automation of our planning permit process commenced on April 1, 2026. Let me be unequivocally clear: the manual processing of physical planning permits has been completely discontinued and outlawed in Lagos State.
“All applications must now go through the EPPPS platform exclusively. Anyone processing planning permits manually from this date is engaging in an illegal activity.
“We have provided the tools to do things the right way. Any attempt to revert to manual, backdoor processes is now strictly illegal, and the government will deal with this without hesitation.”
Dr. Babatunde said other landmark updates include the Certified Accreditor Programme (CAP), a public-private partnership aimed at strengthening building control and reducing incidents of structural failure; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Centre; and the introduction of the Omentum software for complete digitisation of land systems and titles to guarantee the integrity of the land registry and boost investors’ confidence.
The Special Adviser also revealed that the Lagos State Government is decentralising land administration services, with the Ikeja e-GIS regional office already operational and additional centres planned for Lekki, Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu.
Dr Babatunde further highlighted the deployment of Aumentum Software for land administration, describing it as a secure digital solution for processing Certificates of Occupancy and managing land records.
“We are aggressively moving away from the era of dusty files, long queues, and missing documents. This software guarantees the integrity of our land registry and significantly boosts investor confidence,” he said.
Dr. Babatunde explained that the integration of the Moola Tracker has simplified mortgage consent processing, reducing the procedure from 29 steps to just eight without introducing new fees.
“We are not adding any extra charges. We are simply bringing technology to solve the problem of delay and to encourage more people to safely leverage their properties,” he added.
The Special Adviser also emphasised that it is now compulsory for every standing building in Lagos State to have an insurance policy as well as a five-year certification of fitness, as Safety Marshals will be directed to commence building inspection soon, while no contractor must be on site without a letter of authorisation.
The post LASG Enforces Digital Building Permits, Declares Manual Process Illegal appeared first on Business Today NG.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—In a time when confidence in insurance is steadily growing, a satisfied customer of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is sharing his experience to encourage more Nigerians to embrace the value of protection and peace of mind.
Mr. Abdelhamid Abdelrahman of RAP Building Solutions Ltd recently applauded the company for its swift claims settlement and attentive customer service, describing his journey as clear evidence that insurance truly works when managed by a dependable provider.
Abdelrahman explained that his decision to insure his vehicles with the company was influenced by its strong reputation and visible presence within his business environment in Lagos. Easy access to one of its offices also gave him added confidence, allowing for seamless interaction and support whenever needed. Four years on, he remains a loyal customer.
He said: “I had my doubts at some point, thinking that because they are one of the oldest insurance companies, perhaps their service might not be as efficient. But when I had a vehicle claim in 2023, it was processed in no time.”
He added that subsequent claims involving other vehicles in his fleet were handled just as efficiently, further strengthening his confidence in the company.
“Since then, I have felt that whenever I have a vehicle, I will always subscribe to their packages and services. Mutual Benefits may be one of the oldest, but they are still one of the most responsive insurance companies in Nigeria. Their response to customers’ questions and feedback is very fast. I have no regrets partnering with them,” he stated.
Abdelrahman also used the opportunity to encourage Nigerians who remain sceptical about insurance to reconsider their views.
“Many people believe insurance does not work in Nigeria, but it does. When the time comes to make a claim and it is handled smoothly, then you know insurance truly works,” he said.
Industry experts have repeatedly noted that prompt claims settlement remains one of the strongest indicators of trust and credibility in the insurance sector. According to analysts, customers are more likely to retain policies, renew coverage and recommend insurers when claims are paid quickly and transparently.
They explain that efficient claims management not only provides financial relief during difficult times but also helps improve public perception of insurance as a dependable financial safety net. In markets where scepticism exists, real customer experiences and timely claims payments often play a critical role in driving adoption.
Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has consistently positioned prompt claims settlement as a core part of its customer promise, with billions of naira paid out monthly across life and general insurance categories.
As economic uncertainties continue to heighten the need for financial protection, stakeholders say insurers that deliver swift and seamless claims experiences are likely to enjoy stronger customer loyalty and wider market acceptance.
The post Customer Testimonial Highlights Why Mutual Benefits Assurance Stands Out appeared first on Business Today NG.
BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—Nasarawa State Police Command attached to Karshi Divisional Headquarters have arrested one Pastor Asonye Isaiah, 37, of Rock of Love and Adoration Ground, Old Karsh I, Abuja, for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl in Nasarawa State.
According to statement released by SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer, via the commands official X account that the arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Division on 18th April, 2026, at about 2000hrs.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “
possessed” and required cleansing at a river. He instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice. He further threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.
The crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her. The victim was immediately taken for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration.
Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
He assured that justice will be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding places of worship they attend and individuals who parade themselves as clerics.
The post Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor in Karshi appeared first on Business Today NG.
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