The Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, says the state has secured the commitment of ethical and professional conduct from 30 district officers.

The officers are operating under Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, sequel to the devolution of planning permit approval powers to district officers of the LASPPPA.

Salako said this in a statement titled ‘Planning permit approval: LASG secures town planners’ commitment to ethical and professional conduct’ issued by Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi.

The statement said Salako spoke during a meeting with district officers at LASPPPA headquarters.

He stated that as part of reforms to ease planning permit approval process, district officers were granted some level of planning permit approval powers and, therefore, mandated to give undertaking of ethical and professional conduct.

The commissioner said that for the public to have good perceptions of the crucial reform that was pivotal to realising the ideals of making Lagos a 21st century economy, it was essential that officers interfacing with the people and acting on behalf of government lived up to expectations.

He said by the commitment, the district officers were required to comply with their approval limits, display high level of competence and integrity as well as carry out their assigned duties with professionalism and diligence.

“We are confident that district officers, who are now the face of the state government, will make good use of this opportunity and change the narratives to justify our commitment to a livable, orderly and sustainable physical environment,” he said.

The commissioner urged the 30 district officers to handle their assignment with the honesty and seriousness it deserved, bearing in mind the implications of not getting it right.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Ganiyu Ayuba, urged the officers to be on top of their game and justify the confidence reposed in them for devolving approval powers to the district

He added that they had no option than to succeed as they were the mirror through which the public perceived the government.

The Permanent Secretary, Foluso Dipe, urged LASPPPA district officers to note that the speed of delivery was important to the achievement of the 28-day target for processing permit in the state.

The General Manager, LASPPPA, Funmi Oshifuye, enjoined all district officers to be above board as anyone found wanting would be made to face disciplinary action.