Ogun State Pushes New Building Standards to Curb Planning Violations

(Dapo Abiodun. Photo by business day)

The Ogun State Government has tasked environmental specialists with adhering to the state's recently approved planning and building standards in an effort to maintain an orderly physical environment and the safety of people and property.

This charge was made by TPl. Olatunji Odunlami, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, when he announced the opening of a two-day training on compliance with planning legislation for all professionals in the built environment and recognized consulting firms.

Odunlami emphasized that ongoing violations of current laws have caused delays in the processing of planning permits, stressing that these delays frequently result in project setbacks and higher expenses.

The Commissioner emphasized the need for better adherence to standards while characterizing the meeting as urgent and essential.

According to him, the State's physical development was previously governed by a principal law and five regulations that were passed in 2022. In response to the quickly changing development landscape, these regulations were reviewed and updated in 2025 along with the recently approved Ogun State Building and Construction Code 2025.

Odunlami cited common problems like poorly prepared architectural designs, inadequate engineering drawings, and subpar technical reports that frequently failed to meet regulatory requirements and complicated the approval process, expressing concern that many registered professionals remained either unaware of the regulations or insufficiently informed about their provisions.

In order to increase the effectiveness of the planning permit system, he said, participants were encouraged to actively participate in discussions, offer their expertise, and align their practices with regulatory expectations. The workshop was intended as a platform for knowledge exchange, where regulators and practitioners could share experiences and better understand their respective roles.

He reiterated the Abiodun-led administration's dedication to sustainable urban development and urged professionals to become familiar with the new rules and the Building and Construction Code. He also promised that the Ministry would keep improving its procedures in order to efficiently oversee the state's physical development and remain ahead of new challenges.

In response to queries regarding accreditation, the Commissioner made it clear that the procedure was mandated by law and did not duplicate professional registration, accreditation serves as an administrative mechanism to maintain a database of consulting firms working with the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary advised professionals in the Ministry to refrain from taking short cuts and sacrificing standards while urging attendees to fully utilize the session to enhance their comprehension of the new laws.

Professional body chairs encouraged members to maintain professionalism and support government objectives by sharing their professional experiences in the sector with participants.

Presentations on planning laws, compliance frameworks, certification requirements, and new issues were included in the event, along with interactive sessions aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing service delivery throughout the industry.