How to Get a Building Permit in Lagos: Real Case Study & Cost Breakdown

Imagine this: You’ve spent millions planning your dream building. The foundation is set, construction is in full swing, and everything seems perfect. Then, out of nowhere, government officials arrive with an order—STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY.

They tell you your project is illegal because you don’t have a building permit. Within days, you receive a demolition notice. Your hard-earned investment, materials, and time—all gone in an instant.

Sadly, this is not a horror story; it happens every day in Lagos. But the good news? You can avoid this nightmare by getting the right approvals before you build.

These costs may vary depending on location, project type, and government policies, but one thing is certain—getting your permit is far cheaper than the cost of demolition, legal battles, or project shutdown.

The Dangers of Building Without a Permit

If you think skipping the permit process will save money, think again. Here’s what happens when you build without approval:

❌ Penalty Fees – Heavy fines from the government, sometimes exceeding ₦2 million.
❌ Demolition – Your entire structure could be brought down, leading to millions in losses.
❌ Revocation of Ownership – Your land title could be revoked, making your entire investment worthless.
❌ Project Shutdown – The government can issue a stop-work order, delaying or canceling your project indefinitely.

It’s simply not worth the risk.

Who We Are & How We Help

At OME, we don’t just help clients get building permits—we ensure they get all essential approvalsneeded before construction starts. We started as a surveying and documentation company and expanded into construction because we saw too many projects fail due to missing approvals.

With our expert guidance, you can build legally, avoid project delays, and protect your investment.

THE CLIENT’S CHALLENGE – A Risky First Step

Our client, a UK-based developer and Nigerian citizen, was excited to embark on his first real estate development in Nigeria. He had the land, the design, and the funds ready to start building. Everything seemed set.

But there was one major problem—he was about to start construction without obtaining the necessary approvals.

Like many first-time developers, he assumed that once the land was secured, he could begin building. However, in Lagos, this is a huge mistake that can lead to severe penalties, project shutdowns, or even demolition.

A Close Call: Almost Building Without Approval

The client had already hired contractors and planned to start laying the foundation. He had no idea that proceeding without a building permit approval would put his entire project at risk.

Luckily, he reached out to us just in time.

We explained the legal requirements and government regulations, ensuring he understood that building without a permit could result in project delays, financial losses, and even property demolition.

This was an eye-opener for him.

The Client’s Biggest Fear: Scams & Losing His Investment

Since he was based in the UK, he had heard countless horror stories of Nigerian developers being scammed or having their projects delayed indefinitely due to corrupt practices.

His main concerns were:
✅ Would he actually get the approval? Or would he be stuck in an endless bureaucratic process?

✅ Would he be scammed? He feared paying money for approvals that never came through.

✅ Would he lose control of the project? Being overseas, he wasn’t sure how to ensure transparency and accountability.

With these fears in mind, we assured him that our process was transparent, reliable, and efficient—and that we would handle everything on his behalf while keeping him updated at every step.

Don't risk losing your investment! Get your building permit the right way and avoid demolition, penalties, and shutdowns.

Here’s exactly how we helped him secure his building permit approval without stress

Step 1: Land Survey & Title Verification

✅ What We Did: We conducted a professional land survey to confirm the land boundaries and legal ownership. Since Lagos requires proper documentation for any building permit application, this step was crucial.

💡 Challenges Faced:

• The client had no official land documents—only a receipt of purchase. This was risky as it does not serve as proof of ownership.

🔍 How We Resolved It:

• We immediately carried out a professional survey and documented the survey plan to ensure proper records were in place before proceeding.
  
  
  Ensure your land is properly documented before you build. Let’s verify your title and avoid future disputes.

Step 3: Architectural Drawings

✅ What We Did: Our team designed an architectural plan for the duplex in line with Lagos Building Codes and regulations.

💡 Challenges Faced:

• The client wanted a UK-style bathroom layout where bathrooms are separate from the bedrooms—unlike the common Nigerian en-suite style.

🔍 How We Resolved It:

• We made adjustments to meet his preferences while ensuring compliance with Lagos State planning regulations.
  
  Your dream home deserves a perfect design. Let’s create an architectural plan that meets your needs and regulations.

Step 6: Application Submission & Government Review

✅ What We Did: We submitted the complete building permit application to the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).

💡 Challenges Faced:

• No document rejections or delays.

🔍 How We Resolved It:

• By submitting complete and accurate documentation, we ensured a fast-tracked review process.
  
  Avoid unnecessary delays. Let’s handle your building permit application and fast-track approval.

Step 7: Site Inspection & Corrections

✅ What We Did: The Lagos government conducted a site inspection to verify compliance.

💡 Challenges Faced:

• No corrections were required.

🔍 How We Resolved It:

• By ensuring all documentation was in order, the inspection was completed without issues.
  
  Ensure a smooth approval process. We’ll handle site inspections and any necessary corrections for you.

Step 9: Tax Payment

✅ What We Did: We assisted the client in paying the required tax to Lagos IRS before final approval.

💡 Challenges Faced:

• Minor delays due to the high workload at LIRS.

🔍 How We Resolved It:

• We monitored the process and ensured all payments were made promptly.
  
  Ensure your tax payments are cleared for a smooth permit process. We’ll guide you through it.

Step 10: Final Approval & Permit Collection

✅ What We Did: After all requirements were met, the building permit was successfully obtained.

💡 Challenges Faced:

• No last-minute issues or delays.

🔍 How We Resolved It:

• We handled all government interactions on behalf of the client, making the process completely stress-free.
  
  Your building permit is the final green light to start construction. Let’s get it done right.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Building Permit in Lagos?

Getting a building permit in Lagos involves several steps, each with its own costs. Many people are unaware of these fees and end up facing penalties, fines, or even demolition due to missing approvals.

Here’s the real cost breakdown for obtaining a building permit approval for a duplex in Ibeju Lekki:

Approval Stage Cost (₦)

Land Survey (1 Plot, Ibeju Lekki) 750,000
Architectural Drawings (Duplex) 200,000
Soil Test 350,000
LUPAR (Land Use Planning Analysis Report) 350,000
Mechanical Drawings 100,000
Electrical Drawings 100,000
Processing Fee 700,000
Building Assessment to Lagos State (LASPPPA) 1,343,292
Stage Certification to Lagos State (LASPPPA) 470,152
Tax to Lagos IRS 1,000,000

TOTAL COST ₦5,363,444

To learn how to calculate appoval stage cost for your project, click on the link below

Click Me

Final Thoughts: Don’t Risk Your Investment!

The cost of securing building approval is far cheaper than the cost of demolition, legal battles, or project shutdowns. Our client successfully obtained his permit, avoided all risks, and proceeded with construction with full peace of mind.

Want to avoid costly mistakes? Let’s handle your building approvals!