"A demolition permit is an official document from the Government authorising the removal of a structure.”....

Many don’t realise that in Lagos you can’t just pull down a distress or old building without obtaining a permit to do so. Now here are the dangers of demolishing without proper documentation.

Last year, the new owner of a storey building in Abaranje area of Ikotun in Lagos wanted to pull down an old building after acquiring it from it former owner.

He decided to engage “aboki’s” to get the job done during the weekend to avoid too much disturbance from Government agencies.

After removing the roofing sheets and woods. These quacks successfully removed all the walls on the top floor and proceeded to the ground floor. Unknown to them the slab (decking) was placed on a load bearing wall, that means it had no structural element, no beams or columns, so with their previous success on the top floor, they decided to start breaking the walls under the slab only for the whole thing to collapse on them.

Fortunately, these ignoramus survived with only several injuries. But it was unfortunate for the building owner because when a building collapse happens in Lagos without proper documentation, the government would impound such property.

A demolition permit is an official document from the Government authorising the removal of a structure.

Reason for the permit is to;
- Ensure that the legal owner is the person proposing its removal
- To restrict the demolition of building with historical importance
- To ensure the building is safely demolished without causing danger to adjacent buildings or those involved in the demolition.

To obtain a demolition permit, you need the following;
- A written application to Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority for the issuance of a demolition permit.
- Copy of the existing building plan permit obtained (if any)
- Certified true copy of the title document with a copy of the survey plan.
- Photograph of the existing structure to be demolished
- Sworn affidavit indemnifying the Government of any litigation.
- If the property is owned by a corporate organisation, they would require a copy of their CAC and passport photograph of at least two members of the organisation.

Once you have submitted these documents a prescribed fee would be calculated for payment into Government account. Submit payment receipt to the LASPPPA office and then your application for demolish would be processed and a demolition permit would be issued to you, all things being equal.

Once you have obtained a demolition permit it is paramount that you do the following to avoid issues;
1. Submit your demolition permit and letter of intention to commence demolition to Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA)
2. Engage a structural engineer to coordinate and supervise the demolition process
3. Ensure the building to be demolish is completely vacant
4. Developer should ensure they obtain an insurance policy insuring all risk related to the demolition of the structure.

It is important to note that, demolition permit expires in 6month if nothing is done.