Oyo State Launches 60-Day Online Building Permit Amnesty Programme
IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State government has officially launched a 60-day Online Building Permit Amnesty (OYBPA) programme, designed to regularize buildings constructed without proper government approval.
The programme, which began on August 26, 2024, and will run until October 27, 2024, aims to bring structures that violate building regulations into compliance while processing new approvals within the same period.
Announcing the initiative in Ibadan, the State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, highlighted that the OYBPA programme aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s transformation and sustainable development agenda.
He emphasized that the initiative is crucial for improving urban planning and enhancing the safety and security of lives and properties across the state.
Mr. Akin-Funmilayo also revealed that property owners can obtain or regularize their building permits during the amnesty period at a 20% discounted rate.
“This is an opportunity for the good people of Oyo State to secure their building permits faster, easier, and cheaper,” he said. He warned that after the amnesty period, the government would embark on rigorous enforcement of building regulations.
The OYBPA program is primarily an online process, allowing property owners to apply for their permits without the risk of falling victim to touts and middlemen.
The Commissioner assured that those who obtain their permits through this programme would receive authentic documentation, ensuring no further interference from authorities as long as they adhere to the provisions of the approval.
The amnesty program is accessible across all 33 local government areas in the state. Property owners who take advantage of this opportunity will receive an amnesty certificate upon successful completion of the process.
However, the Commissioner clarified that properties located in areas under state government acquisition, within the circular road or its setback, under power lines, or within prohibited proximities to dams or streams would not be eligible for amnesty. Similarly, properties built on roads, within pipeline setbacks, or under court or financial crimes matters would also be excluded.
Mr. Akin-Funmilayo urged property owners, whether in the state or elsewhere, to utilize this window to regularize their buildings or obtain fresh approvals.
He also called on the public and officials of the zonal planning authorities to adhere strictly to the principles of granting building permits in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, noted that the OYBPA programme would regularize the state’s property database and enhance security across all local governments. She encouraged owners of unapproved structures to seize this opportunity for regularization.
The programme launch was attended by key stakeholders, including architects, engineers, surveyors, and town planners, among others.
For more information, property owners are advised to visit town planning offices across the 33 local government areas, call 0700 696 52637, email lands@oyostate.gov.ng, or visit www.lands.oyostate.gov.ng.
Applications can be started online at https://applicant.lands.oyostate.gov.ng/login.
