The Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee inaugurated last December has sensitised the staff of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on its mandate.
Speaking during a working visit of Committee members to the headquarters of agencies in Ikeja on Thursday, the Chairman of the Appeals Committee, Tpl. Ayodele Adediran urged officers to operate within the ambit of the law and avoid being negligent in the discharge of their duties.
He said that both LASPPPA and LASBCA as the agencies responsible for approving physical developments and ensuring quality control in the sector, respectively, were critical to the fulfilment of the responsibilities assigned to the committee.
Adediran added that the Committee was established to change the narratives of negative perception and instill confidence in the public about government procedures and processes in the built environment.
He warned that it would be no longer business as usual, noting that the committee is poised to hear petitions on erring officers or other infractions in the system.
While stressing that the appeals committee would live up to expectations by ensuring a balance between government activities and public interest, the Chairman urged officials of the two Agencies to familiarise themselves with the law, especially Sections 81 and 82, subsection A & C that dwelt on the responsibilities of the Appeals Committee.
According to him, the power of the Committee includes the investigation of petitions and complainants relating to Physical Planning Permit, regeneration and building control; complaints relating to the granting of planning permit; all public complaints on the decision concerning Approval and demolition.
He also explained that the Petitioner could appeal the decision of the appeals committee at the High Court and could go as far as the Supreme Court if the decision did not meet expectations.
In his contribution, the General Manager Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Tpl. Funmi Oshifuye expressed delight at the inauguration of the Appeals Committee to change public perception about the activities of LASPPPA and LASBCA, saying that the committee has credible, tested and trusted professionals who have a track record of integrity.
On her part, the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe, exuded confidence that the committee would make a difference and advised all staff to study and make use of the law.
