The Lagos State Government has called on individuals and organisations in the state to obtain building planning approvals before embarking on construction.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Salako was quoted to have said this during the visit by the Lagos State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, on his proposal to construct building extensions at the command’s headquarter in Ojodu.

He said, “Federal and state Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state should always obtain physical planning approvals before embarking on building construction.

“No organisation or individual has the right to erect buildings in Lagos State without a planning permit and supervision by the Lagos State Building Control Agency at every stage of the construction.

“MDAs, be it state or federal, are the images of government. As such, they are the standard-bearers that should always be above board in their activities, so the least that one can expect from these governmental organisations is not to act in such ways that will compromise planning, livable and sustainable built environment.”

Responding, Ogungbemide pleaded for the understanding and support of the ministry to fast-track the planning approval process.