Lagos lifts embargo on new petrol stations, gas plants

The Lagos State Government has lifted the embargo it placed on the grant of planning permit for the construction of petrol stations with immediate effect.
Mr Rotimi Ogunleye, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, disclosed in Abuja.
He said that the government had also approved the implementation of a reviewed guideline detailing the requirements to be met by operators seeking planning permits for petrol filling stations and gas plants in the state.
On April 26, 2017, the ministry announced the ban on granting of permits for the construction of petroleum filling stations.
Ogunleye said that the state government came up with the ban to ensure safe and orderly siting, operation and management of petrol filling stations and gas plants, for the overall safety of residents.
The state government also placed embargo on the approval of gas plants due to the recurring fire outbreaks as a result of non-compliance with standard safety measures.
Ogunleye said the embargo was to check the proliferation of petrol filling stations and gas plants, and its consequences on safety of lives and property.
According to him, the government was also concerned about improving the aesthetic value and the efficiency of operation in the planning, building control and urban regeneration of the state.
The commissioner said that with the reviewed guidelines, investors intending to embark on developments of this nature and existing operators were directed to strictly comply with the provisions of the reviewed templates.
“Investors are enjoyed to apply for planning information from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before embarking on any development.
“This will allow them have firsthand information about the kind of development that can be done in a specific area of the state.
“Planning information is a free service rendered by the Ministry to the public, providing information on land use zoning, permissible use, plot size, building coverage and height, deviation setback, air spaces and parking requirements.
“I hereby appeal to all relevant stakeholders and general public to ensure the successful implementation of the new guidelines, as erring developers would be penalised according to relevant laws,” Ogunleye said.