The Ogun State Government has granted a two-week extension for property owners and occupiers to submit their title documents, including Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), approved building plans, and planning permits, as part of its ongoing statewide physical development audit.
The announcement, made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, aims to ensure compliance with urban planning regulations and foster sustainable development across the state.
The audit, launched to address indiscriminate construction and promote orderly urban growth, initially set a deadline for submissions that has now been extended to August 27, 2025.
Odunlami, speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, explained that the extension responds to appeals from residents and stakeholders facing challenges in retrieving necessary documents.
“This exercise is not to witch-hunt anyone but to create a robust database for effective urban planning and to ensure our cities meet global standards,” he stated.
The commissioner highlighted that the audit, covering all 20 local government areas, seeks to verify compliance with the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning Law (2005).
It targets issues such as unapproved buildings, illegal land subdivisions, and encroachments on public spaces.
Preliminary findings indicate that over 40% of structures in urban centers like Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, and Sagamu lack proper documentation, contributing to urban sprawl and infrastructure strain.
Property owners are required to submit documents at designated zonal planning offices or via the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority’s online portal.
Odunlami warned that failure to comply by the extended deadline could lead to sanctions, including fines, sealing of properties, or demolition of unapproved structures.
However, he emphasized incentives for compliance, such as streamlined processes for obtaining C of O and planning permits under the state’s Home Charter Scheme.
The initiative aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s agenda to transform Ogun State into a model of urban excellence.
Since the audit began, over 15,000 properties have been registered, with the government aiming to capture data on at least 80% of the state’s estimated 1.2 million buildings.
The audit also includes provisions for regularizing undocumented properties, provided owners meet stipulated requirements.Residents have expressed mixed reactions.
While some commend the government’s efforts to curb haphazard development, others, particularly in rural areas, cite difficulties accessing title documents due to bureaucratic delays or historical land disputes.
The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has urged the government to provide additional support, such as mobile registration units, to ease compliance.Odunlami assured residents that the audit’s data would inform infrastructure projects, including road expansions and flood control measures, to enhance livability.
He also announced plans for public sensitization campaigns to educate property owners on the importance of compliance.
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