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.

The projects — Multi-Agency Office Complex and Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) Building — are situated within the Central Business District (CBD) in Alausa, in close proximity to the Secretariat of the State Government.

The Multi-Agency Complex is a multi-storey office development designed to centralise the operations of critical state agencies, thereby reducing congestion in the Secretariat campus.

The complex is being designed to offer comfort for civil servants and enhance administrative efficiency. The project is multi-functional building that houses office spaces, relaxation facilities, multi-level car park with capacity for over 600 vehicles, and advanced safety components.

The LAGIS project is a 5-floor purpose built office building initiated by the Sanwo-Olu administration to provide one-stop access for all services relating to geospatial mapping, urban planning and land administration.

Sanwo-Olu, who described the two projects as a “masterpiece”, expressed satisfaction with their progress. The Governor declared that the construction of Multi-Agency Complex had practically been completed, except the finishing work to be done on the ground floor and setbacks.

The Governor disclosed that the formal opening of the buildings would be symbolic, as they were expected to be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a planned state visit to Lagos coming in a yet to be announced date.

After the completion of work on the complex, Sanwo-Olu said the contractor handling the project was expected to clean it up in the next two weeks in preparation for commissioning.

He said: “We’ve just finished the inspection of Multiagency Office Complex and the LAGIS Building. As has been observed, the Multiagency Complex is practically completed; all left to do is finishing work around all of the setback and the ground completion. I am impressed with the level of work the contractor has been able to achieve. In another two week, we believe the contractor should have done extreme cleanup of the complex.

“The LAGIS Building whose construction is more recent is also a unique masterpiece as the complex because it meets our requirements in spatial and geographic information system deliverables, which are meant to be part of our solutions to land administration in Lagos. However, construction work on the LAGIS building needs to advance quickly in the next three weeks to the completion stage.

“What we are planning to do for the formal opening of these buildings is a symbolic commissioning. We are expecting presidential visit in the coming weeks, and these buildings are part of the projects that might be inaugurated by the President on that trip.”

Sanwo-Olu said the buildings would positively impact the quality of public service and enhance service delivery to the citizens. He said the ambience in which the civil servants would now work would be felt in better turnaround time for the services they render to citizens.

“The space in which services are being rendered is critical to us as a government. That is why we are creating better working environment for our staff,” the Governor said.

The post Sanwo-Olu Reviews Progress of Multi-Agency Office Complex, LAGIS Building appeared first on Business Today NG.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at a CBD Stakeholders Summit with the theme: “Rebranding and Revitalising Lagos CBDs: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Development”.

The event was held on Wednesday at  the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos,

The governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

According to him, Lagos State was  deepening public/private partnerships to finance and execute critical projects, streamlining regulatory processes and deploying contemporary solutions that support SMEs.

“This will also attract global investors and empower young professionals and  informal sector participants who contribute significantly to the vibrancy of the CBDs.”

The governor stressed that CBDs were the nerve centres of Lagos State economy, determining the state’s competitiveness, investor perception, business growth, and the overall experience of millions of people.

He said: “The future of Lagos will be shaped not only by how fast we grow, but by how well we design the spaces where growth happens.

“If we get our Central Business Districts right, we strengthen the economic heart of Lagos.”

Sanwo-Olu outlined three strategic pillars guiding the summit to include modern infrastructure for productivity and safety, sustainable urban regeneration, and a business environment driven by partnership and inclusion.

According to him, these align with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Lagos Island Model City Plan aimed at improving urban form, enhancing walkability and strengthening environmental resilience, preparing Lagos CBDs for future challenges.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wemabod Nigeria Ltd, Mr Bashir Oladunni, said that CBDs were the commercial heartbeat of any city.

Oladunmi added that CBDs were a  convergence point for finance, trade, governance and history.

He said that CBDs needed a fundamental shift in perspective, adding that  they should be managed as a portfolio of economic districts that required differentiated place specific interventions.

He said that a one-size-fits-all response from  government would not deliver sustainable outcomes.

Oladunni  noted that the summit reflected a shared understanding that the CBD remained one of the most valuable economic assets of Lagos State and its future must be deliberately shaped through coordination, evidence-based planning and sustainable partnership.

In a goodwill message, Mr Rauf Age-Sulaiman, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties, Intergovernmental Relations and Central Business Districts, described CBDs as critical to Lagos State’s economic and business growth.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State House of Assembly to supporting and implementing policies that would enable CBDs to thrive across the state.

Earlier, Mr Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, the Special Adviser on CBD to Sanwo-Olu, noted the need for collaboration between the state government and private sectors to drive innovation and investment.

According to her, when policy and enterprise move in alignment, progress is inevitable.

“The future of Lagos CBD must inspire confidence in investors, pride in the residents, and belief in young entrepreneurs who see Lagos as the place where dreams are built.

“The modern CBD must be smart, digital inclusive and resilient. It must support multinational corporations and small businesses alike.

It must reflect Lagos unique energy while meeting global standards,” she said.

The post Sanwo-Olu Calls for Stronger PPPs to Boost SMEs, Revitalise Lagos CBDs appeared first on Business Today NG.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hinted that the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building affected by the massive fire outbreak yesterday will be demolished once the inferno is completely put out.

This was made known by Governor Sanwo-Olu when he visited the scene of the fire incident at Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

In a monitored Video from Channels Television, Sanwo-Olu said a committee headed by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, will oversee the smooth demolition exercise in the next few days.

The governor confirmed that there are no casualties, adding that all those who suffered severe injury have been taken to the hospital.

He advised residents to be safety-conscious during the dry season because this is not the first time the state is experiencing an inferno on Lagos Island. The governor told them to stay clear of the area.

Four other buildings affected

The governor said that all first responders will remain at the scene to prevent reoccurrence of the fire incident all affected traders will be supported by the government.

He also pointed out about three or four other surrounding buildings are affected by the inferno, with two of them heavily impacted.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said, ‘’You will see that the main building is been through partial collapse, and so what you will see is that eventually we will have to take down the entire building. I have set up a committee that will be headed by the honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, who will bring forward what will be the best mode for us to bring down the entire building within the shortest possible time.

‘’So that will happen in a couple of days from now, based on whatever capacity in our work mode of demolition that we are going to be advising. Unfortunately, this fire that started has affected three or four other buildings around, especially at the other end, which are all clustered together. Two are heavily impacted, and about three others are partially impacted. So we are monitoring, and we are watching.’’

What you should know

Nairametrics had yesterday reported a massive fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The building, which is widely known to serve as a warehouse for traders who deal in clothing materials, was said to have been engulfed by fire in the evening.

The LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the fire started from an apartment on the fourth floor, then quickly spread to other parts of the floor and later reached the sixth floor with rapid upward momentum.

Emergency response teams, including LASEMA, LASG Fire & Rescue, Federal Fire Service, LNSC, Nigeria Police, Red Cross, and LRU Paramedics, were on the scene.

Source Nairametrics

The post Sanwo-olu Says 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Building Will Be Demolished appeared first on Business Today NG.

The financing package comprises two components: a ZAR 2.5 billion social bond investment in Nedbank Group Limited and a $60 million trade finance Risk Participation Agreement with Nedbank Limited of South Africa.

Together, the initiatives aim to narrow Africa’s trade finance gap, accelerate intra-African trade, and improve access to housing—two essential drivers of inclusive economic growth.

The social bond is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with proceeds channeled through Nedbank’s Sustainable Finance Fundraising Framework. Funding will prioritize affordable housing for women and first-time homeowners, as well as green-certified units, reinforcing the Bank and Nedbank’s shared commitment to gender equality, climate resilience, and financial inclusion. The bond will contribute to achieving the African Development Bank’s vision for inclusive growth.

“This partnership builds on our shared commitment to drive financial access for underserved communities and transform living conditions across South Africa,” said Kennedy Mbekeani, African Development Bank’s Director General for Southern Africa. “It marks a significant milestone in our nearly two-decade relationship with Nedbank Group, unlocking critical financing where it’s needed most while strengthening our financial system’s resilience.”

The $60 million trade finance Risk Participation Agreement will provide crucial credit risk cover for Nedbank’s partnership with local banks issuing documentary letters of credit and similar trade instruments across the continent, including in Low-Income Countries and Transition States. This mechanism will help close the continent’s trade finance gap and accelerate intra-African trade.

“This landmark partnership with the African Development Bank Group represents a pivotal step in our drive to deliver real impact for communities across South Africa and the continent. By mobilising funding for affordable housing, especially for women and first-time buyers, and supporting trade finance for local banks, we are helping to unlock opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development,” said Jason Quinn, Chief Executive, Nedbank Group.  “It underscores our commitment to enabling financial access, fostering climate resilience, and driving economic transformation through innovative, purpose-driven sustainable financing.”

Ahmed Attout, the African Development Bank’s Director for the Financial Sector Development Department, said: “We are proud of our shared commitment to sustainable financing, particularly through local debt capital markets. This intervention builds on our previous support in 2020, when we invested in Nedbank’s inaugural green bond to support renewable energy access in South Africa. It also demonstrates the African Development Bank’s leading role in bridging the continent’s trade finance gap.”

The initiative aligns with the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024 – 2033) to transform African economies through industrialization, regional integration, and improved quality of life for all Africans. By combining innovative housing finance with trade facilitation, the agreement advances inclusive, sustainable economic development across AFrica.

The post AfDB, Nedbank Seal Multi-Billion-Rand Deal to Expand Housing Finance Across Africa appeared first on Business Today NG.

Wike, who personally visited the site on Tuesday after receiving reports that soldiers had driven away FCTA officials enforcing development control directives, said no individual no matter their former position would be allowed to intimidate government authorities or obstruct enforcement of the law.

“You are aware that the land departments and the Development Control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” the minister said.

“When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents—no regional approval, no valid acquisition.”

According to Wike, while officials of the Department of Development Control were on site to implement his directive, they were chased away by armed soldiers allegedly acting under the instruction of a retired senior officer.

“I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate.”

He expressed shock that a person who once held a top military position could resort to such intimidation rather than follow due process.

“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” the minister said firmly.

Wike also disclosed that when the FCTA officials demanded documents to justify the occupation, none were produced.

“The Director of Development Control said, ‘Bring the documents’ they don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building’ they don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have the military behind them? What about ordinary Nigerians?”

The minister maintained that the FCT Administration would not tolerate the misuse of military power to obstruct legitimate urban regulation, stressing that the rule of law must apply to all.

“I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos,” Wike said.

“But I will not allow this to happen. The same way we enforce our laws in other areas is the same way it will be done here. Nobody whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land.”

Wike reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order and accountability in Abuja’s land administration, warning that the FCTA would continue to reclaim encroached areas, no matter how powerful those involved may be.

The post Wike Condemns Military Takeover Of Abuja Land, Orders Halt To Illegal Development appeared first on Business Today NG.

Dr Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed the development through a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, said the agency’s response team arrived at the scene around 11:09 a.m. to find the building completely collapsed, trapping several workers beneath the rubble.
1
“Following distress alerts at 11:09 am, LASEMA activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from Agbowa and Alausa.

“Upon arrival of the agency’s response teams at 11:09 am, it was discovered that a three-storey building with a penthouse collapsed on Thursday at No. 28, Baale Alayabiagba Street, Alayabiagba community, Ajegunle, Apapa area of Lagos.

“The cause of the collapsed building is yet to be ascertained,” he said.

“Eight adult males were rescued alive and given first aid by the Lagos State Ambulance Service before being taken to Ajeromi General Hospital,” Oke-Osanyintolu said, just as he also added that one adult male, however, had been recovered dead from the debris.

The post One Die, Eight Rescue In Another Lagos Building Collapse appeared first on Business Today NG.

The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, who made this disclosure through a statement issued on Monday, said that the agency received a distress call in the wee small hours of Monday.

According to Adeseye, the building located on 54, Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, had been marked ‘Distressed’ before it collapsed on the occupants.

While disclosing that 15 people, comprising seven female adults, seven male adults, and four children, had been rescued with varying degrees of injury, said those injured were taken to the Federal Medical Center, Ebute Meta, and General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.

READ ALSO: Six More Deaths Confirmed In Afriland Towers Fire Disaster

The director, however, said a rescue operation by the Sari Iganmu Fire Station of the LSFRS was ongoing.

“It is an ongoing rescue involving an existing two-storey building which has reportedly [been] marked distress before collapsing on the occupants.

“Fifteen adults (seven male adults, four female adults, and four children) have been rescued with varying degrees of injury and taken to Federal Medical Center, Ebute Meta, and General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island,” the statement partly read.

The post Occupants Feared Trapped After Two-Storey Building Collapse In Lagos appeared first on Business Today NG.

“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians.

“The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago,” he said.

He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use the guise of protest to cause mayhem.

“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime; we will not permit that, ” he said.

The commissioner assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.

“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement.

“We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated,” he said.

The post Police Endorse Lagos Demolition Exercise, Label Area Criminal Hideout appeared first on Business Today NG.

Jimoh, who handed down the warning while addressing newsmen in the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday in Lagos, said that the command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder.

According to him, the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.

READ ALSO: One Die, Four Rescue In Lagos Three-Storey Building Collapse

The state police boss said officers had been stationed at strategic points, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas to ensure peace and order.

According to him, while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protests must follow due process and must not infringe on the rights of others.

“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow the laid-down procedures
“What we have seen in recent times is not protest but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.

The post Police Warn Sowore, Others Against Protests Over Lagos Demolitions appeared first on Business Today NG.