Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday condemned the long wait for private property developers to obtain planning permits and building approvals in the state.
Therefore, he warned the supervising directors of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) against harsh practices.
He also instructed the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and its agencies to simplify the permit approval process to expedite the granting of permits.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the launch of a rebranded Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation aimed at protecting the lives of residents and addressing the root causes of building collapse, said that all buildings in Lagos would now be licensed for life safety.
The governor, who referred to the initiative as a “game-changer,” said the financial and emotional loss that typically results from a building collapse led to the development of an innovative approach to monitoring physical development and protecting the lives of people in the state.
In other news, Sanwo-Olu yesterday named the Gbagada state housing estate in honour of the late leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and former Lagos State military administrator, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd).
He said the property which is scheduled to be commissioned later this year, is named after Kanu to show others that Lagos will never forget her heroes.
In a statement, he said: “It is our hope that every time outstanding and heroic leadership is recognised and rewarded, new leaders will be inspired to emerge and continue from where the departing generation left off.”
During a day of tribute organized by the Lagos State Government in honour of Kanu at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described the deceased as “a most visionary and courageous governor of Lagos State” and an “Outstanding Nigerian.”
He said that Nigerians owe Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu and other NADECO comrades gratitude for their unselfish and tireless struggle for the establishment of a democratic system of government in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, described Kanu as a man who played his role well and influenced the lives of Nigerians, worked for unity and fought for the realization of democracy in Nigeria. as well as a great achiever who lived and died for the benefit of the people.
