The Oyo State government has initiated a 60-day Online Building Permit Amnesty (OYBPA) program, aimed at regularizing buildings constructed without proper government approval. This initiative, which began on August 26, 2024, and will run until October 27, 2024, is designed to ensure that all property developments in the state comply with existing regulations.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, announced the program in Ibadan, the state capital, emphasizing that it aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for transformation and sustainable development. The program seeks to enhance urban planning, security, and safety across the state.
During this 60-day amnesty period, property owners can obtain or regularize their building permits at a discounted rate of 20%. Mr. Akin-Funmilayo urged all property owners, whether residential, commercial, industrial, educational, or health facilities, to take advantage of this opportunity. He noted that after the amnesty period, the government would intensify enforcement of building permits.
“This amnesty period is a chance for the good people of Oyo State to get their building permits faster, easier, and at a reduced cost,” Mr. Akin-Funmilayo said. “The government will embark on massive enforcement of building permits after the amnesty period.”
The OYBPA program, which is primarily an online process, aims to eliminate the influence of touts and middlemen, allowing property owners to secure their permits directly and efficiently. Property owners who adhere to the approval provisions will receive authentic permits, protecting them from future interference by authorities.
The amnesty program covers the entire state, with applications available online across all 33 local government areas. At the end of the process, participants will be issued an amnesty certificate.
However, the Commissioner clarified that properties in certain zones would not be eligible for amnesty. These include properties illegally occupying state government acquisition zones, those within circular road setbacks, under power lines, in close proximity to dams or streams, on roads, within pipeline setbacks, or under legal disputes or financial crimes investigations.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, highlighted the program’s role in regularizing the state’s property database and enhancing security across all local governments. She encouraged property owners who have not obtained building plans to participate in the initiative, noting that the online process also caters to property owners who are not currently in the state.
Primary stakeholders, including architects, engineers, draftsmen, surveyors, and town planners, attended the announcement.
For inquiries, 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.
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
August 26, 2024.
