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The Lagos State government has ended the manual processing of building and physical planning approvals as part of efforts to deepen digital governance and advance its smart city ambition.

The state said all applications for planning permits must now be submitted and processed exclusively through the Electronic Physical Planning Processing System (EPPPS), bringing to an end the paper-based approval process.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this at a public sensitisation programme organised to engage built-environment professionals on the implementation of the electronic planning approval system.

Olumide said the directive, which took effect on April 1, 2026, was designed to eliminate the delays, multiple human interfaces and other challenges associated with the manual processing of planning approvals.

According to him, the transition to EPPPS is not merely a technological upgrade but a fundamental reform aimed at making the planning approval process more transparent, efficient and user-friendly.

He said the system would reduce complaints associated with physical interaction between applicants and officials while enabling applicants to submit documents, monitor their applications and receive updates electronically.

‘The government has created timelines and simplified the procedures to make the system user-friendly. We are appealing to the public and professionals to embrace the platform because the manual process, with its bulky paperwork, has been outlawed,’ he said.

Olumide, however, warned applicants against submitting false information or forged documents, saying inconsistencies would be detected during the electronic processing of applications and could result in delays.

‘If you submit a doctored survey plan or fail to meet requirements such as the stipulated setbacks and other necessary documentation, your application will be delayed until you comply. The system is designed to identify such inconsistencies,’ he said.

The commissioner said the EPPPS had achieved full operational readiness, with all relevant personnel trained and computer systems and internet connectivity deployed across the district offices.

He added that applications submitted outside the electronic platform would no longer be recognised as valid planning applications.

‘All applications must now go through the EPPPS platform exclusively. Anyone processing planning permits manually from this date is engaging in an illegal activity,’ Olumide said.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Wasiu Olayinka, said the reform was intended to make the process of obtaining building approvals easier for Lagos residents and prospective property owners.

He said applicants would no longer need to make repeated physical visits to government offices, as the digital platform would enable them to apply for approvals from their homes or offices.

According to Olayinka, the full implementation of the EPPPS represents a major step in the state’s effort to modernise physical planning and improve service delivery.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Taxation, Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, said the electronic system would strengthen transparency, accountability and data-driven planning in the state.

Ogungbo urged residents, developers and built-environment professionals to make full use of the platform, noting that applicants could track the progress of their applications and receive notifications without having to visit government offices.

He said the system would also help the government move away from a planning environment characterised by physical files, long queues and missing documents.

‘We are aggressively moving away from the era of dusty files, long queues and missing documents. This software will strengthen the integrity of our land records and help boost investor confidence,’ he said.

The guest speaker, Prof. Timothy Nubi, however, said digitising the approval process must be accompanied by broader reforms in the real estate sector if the industry was to contribute more significantly to economic development.

Nubi lamented what he described as the failure of real estate to attain its full potential in Nigeria, arguing that weak infrastructure, inadequate investment and policy challenges had constrained the sector.

He said secure land titles remained critical to unlocking the economic value of property, noting that untitled assets represented a significant pool of dead capital globally and in Africa.

‘When real estate begins to play its proper role in the economy, the sector will become healthier. Without title, you cannot create wealth in the way we see in countries such as the United States and Dubai,’ Nubi said.

He cited estimates putting global dead capital held in untitled assets at about $9.3 trillion, with more than $1 trillion reportedly locked in Africa.

Nubi also questioned claims that a large proportion of properties in Lagos lacked proper titles, linking the problem to the continued development of estates without the necessary government approvals.

He urged the state government to examine why people invest substantial sums in land and properties only to commence construction without obtaining planning approval.

While commending the transition to digital processing, Nubi called for the new system to be genuinely seamless and free from unnecessary bureaucracy.

He said an efficient approval process would not only improve compliance but also encourage investment and help unlock greater economic value from Lagos’ rapidly expanding real estate market.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Temitope Ajayi, for what he described as diligent and consistent efforts to communicate the policies and programmes of his administration as the presidential aide clocks 50.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, particularly acknowledged Ajayi’s incisive, in-depth essays on major government policies, as well as his sustained engagement across different segments of the media.

Ajayi, whose role as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity is also reflected in State House publications, has written extensively on government policies and economic issues.

The President congratulated the media aide on the milestone, describing him as an accomplished journalist, entrepreneur and media and communications professional.

Before joining the Presidency, Ajayi worked in mainstream journalism and held strategic positions across the publishing, advertising and public relations sectors.

He is a graduate of Literature in English from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and obtained a Master’s Degree in Literature in English from the University of Lagos in 2005.

Tinubu said Ajayi’s contributions to explaining and promoting the administration’s policies had remained notable, especially through his analytical writings and engagement with traditional and digital media.

The President joined Ajayi’s family, friends, associates and members of the State House media department in celebrating him on his golden jubilee.

He urged the presidential aide to sustain his commitment to service and wished him many more years in good health and renewed strength.

Tinubu also encouraged Ajayi to ‘keep up the good work’ as he continues to serve the country.

Relatives of four convicted kidnappers wept uncontrollably yesterday as an Edo State High Court sentenced them to death, bringing an emotionally charged end to the first kidnapping case publicly tried by the state’s Special Court for Cultism and Kidnapping Cases.

The courtroom was filled to the brim as Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu handed down the sentences, a crowd gathered outside the court premises to catch a glimpse of the convicts as they were led away.

The atmosphere evoked memories of the sentencing of notorious armed robber Lawrence Anini and members of his gang in the 1980s, whose case and subsequent execution became one of the most dramatic criminal justice episodes in the state.

The four convicts – Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27 – were sentenced to death by hanging or lethal injection for their roles in the abduction of Precious Oseghale at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City.

The case was the first kidnapping matter to be concluded by the special court, established by the state judiciary in June, to facilitate speedy trials of cultism and kidnapping cases.

The kidnapping of Oseghale in broad daylight at the market happened in July.

Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier vowed to sign the death warrants of kidnappers and cultists convicted under state laws and have them publicly executed.

The administration has also demolished houses allegedly belonging to suspected cultists and kidnappers.

The four defendants had pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge involving kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

They were tracked down and arrested.

Other victims who testified during the trial included Lawani Alex, Nosa Blessing and Idehen Owenaze. They told the court that they were abducted by the gang and paid ransom before being released.

The prosecution said the gang collected N8 million and jewellery worth N15 million from Precious, while other victims paid N12.4 million and N5.5 million in ransom.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Roland Otaru, who led the prosecution, closed the case after calling seven witnesses and tendering video evidence, including CCTV footage of the Vegetable Market kidnapping.

The defendants did not call witnesses but testified in their own defence.

Delivering judgment, Justice Momodu held that the prosecution proved the 11 counts beyond reasonable doubt.

He said there was no successful objection to the exhibits tendered, including the defendants’ confessional statements.

The judge rejected the defence claim that the statements had been obtained through coercion, describing it as an afterthought. He also rejected the alibi defence raised by the defendants, noting that it was not raised during police questioning.

Justice Momodu found Marvellous guilty on all 11 counts. He sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment on count one, 10 years on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11, while imposing the death sentence on counts two to nine.

Wisdom was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two to nine. He was discharged and acquitted on counts 10 and 11.

Rufus was sentenced to seven years on count one and death on counts two to nine. He was, however, discharged and acquitted on counts four, five, eight, nine, 10 and 11.

Gift, the only female defendant, was discharged and acquitted on counts four, five, eight, nine, 10 and 11. She was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.

Before pronouncing judgment, Justice Momodu said the law constrained the court, adding that the defendants had the right to appeal.

He commended the owners of the CCTV system that captured the Vegetable Market kidnapping and urged residents and the state government to install surveillance cameras in homes and public places.

A human rights lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, said the convicts had 90 days within which to appeal the judgment.

‘The governor cannot order execution of the convicts. It is only when they fail to file an appeal within the required 90 days.

‘I know the Attorney-General will not advise the governor to carry out the execution when the 90 days have not expired,’ he said.

The special court was established by the Chief Judge of Edo State following a request by Okpebholo on June 19, for a mechanism to accelerate the trial of kidnapping and cultism cases.

The governor had, while advocating the establishment of the court, vowed that convicted kidnappers and cultists would face execution.

‘We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists.

‘Within two weeks, the court will be done with proceedings. I will sign your execution,’ he had said.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and MTN Nigeria have confirmed their participation in the Africa Sustainability Forum, scheduled for October 20, at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Forum, themed: ‘Sustainable Futures: Driving Just Transitions, Green Growth and Shared Prosperity,’ will examine pathways for advancing sustainable development across Africa.

Lead Coordinator, Africa Sustainability Forum, Elvis Eromosele, said the diversity of organisations joining the forum reflects the need for sustainability conversations to move beyond individual sectors.

‘Sustainability is not a conversation that belongs to one industry, one institution or one group of stakeholders. The challenges we face are interconnected, and so must be the solutions. Bringing regulators, businesses and industry-led sustainability platforms into the same room creates an opportunity to examine what is working, identify the gaps and, importantly, explore how we can move from commitments to practical action. The participation of NCC, NDPC, FBRA, MTN Nigeria, and others adds important perspectives to this conversation, and we look forward to the ideas, partnerships and solutions that will emerge from the Forum.’

The forum is designed to foster meaningful dialogue around the realities and opportunities in Africa’s transition towards more sustainable and inclusive economies.

Actor Tayo Faniran has claimed that success in the Nigerian film industry is not driven solely by talent, arguing that the system is heavily influenced by favouritism.

Faniran made the claim during a recent appearance on TVC’s entertainment show, eSplash, where he spoke candidly about his career.

The reality TV star argued that public perception of Nollywood’s hierarchy does not reflect the industry’s true talent pool.

‘In Nollywood, the film producers, actors and directors you guys see and know as the biggest are not the most talented,’ he said.

He also expressed frustration with his own career progression, insisting that merit-based opportunities would have taken him further.

‘If Nollywood were strictly about talent, I should be far beyond where I am. There is a lot of rigging in the industry,’ he added.

The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Falcon Corporation, Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, has called on Nigerian business leaders to institutionalise resilience, strategic agility and disciplined decision-making as critical capabilities for building sustainable enterprises in increasingly volatile operating environments.

Audrey spoke at the fourth edition of the Cordros Wealth Summit, which had as its theme: ‘Wealth Beyond Money.’

She argued that organisations operating in emerging markets such as Nigeria cannot afford to treat uncertainty as an occasional disruption. She noted that policy changes, foreign exchange, market conditions and global developments can quickly alter business assumptions, making scenario planning, adaptability and continuous strategic review essential to long-term sustainability.

According to the Falcon boss, leaders must continually interrogate what remains within their control, where vulnerabilities exist and what capabilities, information or relationships may be required to navigate emerging risks.

‘Resilience has to be engineered into every business; it cannot be treated as a reaction to crisis. In an environment where policy, foreign exchange, market conditions and global events can alter business assumptions almost overnight, leaders have to build uncertainty into the plan from the outset. That means scenario planning, continuously testing assumptions and creating an organisation agile enough to adjust without losing sight of its long-term direction,’ Audrey said.

She further challenged the conventional approach to strategic planning, stressing that strategy should remain responsive to changing realities rather than become a static annual document. Audrey advocated rolling budgets, scenario modelling and regular reviews of strategic assumptions, particularly for sectors exposed to significant external variables.

Drawing on the energy industry, she explained that geopolitical developments can quickly affect domestic operations through supply chains, shipping routes, foreign exchange exposure, equipment availability, and project economics, requiring leaders to maintain a broader view of the forces that can influence execution.

Audrey also cautioned against confusing entrepreneurial boldness with reckless pursuit of vision. ‘Responsible risk-taking rests on preparation, evidence, and a clear understanding of the consequences. Instinct still matters in entrepreneurship, but as an organisation grows in scale and complexity, it has to be tested against facts. At that level, your decisions no longer affect only you. They reach employees, their families, customers and communities whose wellbeing is tied to the sustainability of the enterprise,’ she added.

The Summit convened leading voices across business, investment and financial services, including the Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Rainoil Limited, Gabriel Ogbechie, who delivered the keynote address; personal finance expert and former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, Jude Chiemeka, alongside other senior business and investment leaders.

‘There is nothing wrong with me. I am healthy, ready to go.’

With those words, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday dismissed social media rumours about his health, attributing the speculation to politics.

Tinubu, who returned to Nigeria after an extended working leave in Europe, said he was healthy and ready to resume work.

He arrived in Lagos aboard Nigerian Air Force One, which landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 6:22 pm.

He was received by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, other government officials and party leaders.

Supporters carrying banners praising the President and canvassing support for him drummed and danced outside the Presidential Wing.

Speaking to reporters, Tinubu said: ‘I’m ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong with my health. Rumours will always emanate from politics. But the fact remains that I’m here: healthy, sound and ready to go.’

Asked about his experience while away, he said: ‘I enjoyed myself.’

The President left Abuja on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation.

At the end of the three weeks, his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the President’s return date had been adjusted slightly.

On Sunday, Onanuga announced that Tinubu would return yesterday. The extension had fuelled speculation on social media, with opposition figures also commenting on the President’s absence.

One political party filed a suit to challenge the President’s extended working leave in court.

Tinubu spent one week in London and the remaining period in Paris, France.

While in Paris, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.

Last week, Tinubu witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside and the establishment of a Blue Marine Economic Zone.

The project is expected to attract $7 billion in investment from DP World, a global ports and logistics company.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, speaking on television yesterday, said the volume of correspondence signed by the President and sent to the National Assembly during his leave showed that he remained engaged with official duties.

From 3pm, APC members dressed in customised party attire gathered around the Presidential Wing of the airport ahead of Tinubu’s arrival.

It was a carnival-like gathering, with itinerant drummers accompanying women and youths, including members of the City Boy Movement, who danced while displaying banners and posters.

Some of the banners read: ‘Welcome Mr President,’ ‘Thank You for State Police,’ ‘Thank You for Your Bold Reforms,’ and ‘We Thank You for Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Security operatives deployed around the airport ahead of the arrival had to clear the route for the presidential convoy, which eventually left the airport at about 6:30pm.

Tinubu to

honour Abiola

According to the Presidency, Tinubu returned to Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He is expected to attend the premiere of a movie celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, on Thursday, October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

The President’s Independence Anniversary address will also be broadcast tomorrow.

Tinubu is also expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos over the next few days as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

Presidential Special Assistant on Social Media Dada Olusegun announced the President’s arrival on his verified X handle, @DOlusegun, at about 6:22 pm.

‘Landing. Welcome home Mr President!’ he wrote, alongside a video showing Tinubu being received by dignitaries at the airport.

The Presidency said Tinubu would return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Lagos.

Abbas: More activities ahead

Abbas said the President’s period of rest would prepare him for increased activities.

He said: ‘It is incredibly nice to have him after one month away, and we believe that the days he has spent resting will translate into more action this time around.

‘We believe that he will come with renewed vigour, a renewed hope, to continue serving the good people of Nigeria.’

Tinubu’s return comes as the APC intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the expanded Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) expected to begin full mobilisation.

The PCC, led by its Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has commenced consultations with traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oba of Lagos, the Oba of Benin and the Shehu of Borno.

Also at the airport were former Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, Senator Idiat Adebule, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Secretary to the Lagos State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, APC chieftain Bode Oyedele and other dignitaries.