The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has indicated its readiness to collaborate with Konfam 89.5 FM to strengthen public awareness and advocacy on the planning permit process across the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide made this known during a courtesy visit by the management team of the radio station to the Ministry in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday.

Dr. Olumide described the visit as timely, noting that the Ministry was currently intensifying its sensitisation campaign to educate residents on the importance of obtaining planning permits before commencing any form of physical development.

According to him, low public awareness had contributed to the high number of buildings without planning approvals in the State, stressing the need for stronger collaboration with the media to bridge the information gap.

“It is quite concerning that many buildings are developed without planning approvals. One of our major challenges is ensuring that the public is adequately informed about the planning permit process and its importance,” the Commissioner said.

He further noted that the State Government was working towards strengthening compliance mechanisms, adding that planning permits would increasingly become an essential requirement in property transactions and other official processes.

Dr. Olumide also explained that property owners with valid planning permits were better protected under the law, particularly in situations where structures might be affected by overriding public interest projects, as such approvals provide the basis for appropriate compensation.

He commended the radio station for broadcasting in Pidgin English, noting that the language remained an effective medium for reaching grassroots communities and bridging communication gaps between government and the public.

He urged the station to continue providing timely, accurate and unbiased information that would support government’s efforts at promoting orderly and sustainable physical development.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, emphasised the importance of grassroots communication, encouraging the station to ensure that residents receive clear and accurate information about the planning permit process.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Konfam 89.5 FM, Kayode Adegbite, appreciated the Ministry for the warm reception and expressed optimism about future collaboration between the station and the Ministry.

He noted that the station remained committed to bridging communication gaps between government and the public, particularly among grassroots communities.

A broadcaster with the station, Maria, also stated that the Pidgin radio platform was designed to make public information easily accessible to ordinary citizens while assuring that the station would support the Ministry’s advocacy by communicating the planning permit process in simple and relatable language.

Kehinde-Akinsanya Adetola

Chief Public Affairs Officer

12th March, 2026.