Construction Site Permit & Building Materials

Pursuant to Section 7 and the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, and relevant sections of the Local Government Act, Laws of the FCT 2006, the Bwari Area Council makes the following Bye-Laws governing construction activities within its jurisdiction.

No building materials shall be left on any street within the Bwari Area Council without the prior written approval of the Area Council.

• Approval shall be issued in writing upon application to the Area Council Engineer or any officer acting in that capacity.
• The approved period for stacking of building materials shall not exceed 6 months from the date of issue.
• For every square meter of street on which building materials are left, a fee as determined from time to time shall be paid to the Area Council.
• Stacking on any part of the street, open space or warehouse/depot without approval shall attract a fine of not less than ₦50,000.00 per square meter per day.
• It shall be an offence if any stacking of building materials impedes the free flow of traffic.

All Construction Sites, Multinational/Construction Companies, Yards, and Development Estates (Residential/Commercial) must first obtain a permit/approval from the Area Council prior to undertaking any building or construction activity.

• Approval is issued in writing upon application to the Area Council Engineer or designated officer.
• For every square meter of street space used, a fee shall be paid to the Area Council — not less than ₦40,000.00 per square meter per month.
• Stacking within a confined premises shall attract a fee of not less than ₦150,000.00 per square meter per day.
• Upon expiry of the permit period, a renewal fee equal to the original permit fee shall be paid for renewal.
• Any construction involving pile driving as part of the foundation shall require a Special Permit from the Area Council.

Builder's Responsibilities

• The builder shall erect a hoarding of sufficient height along the length of the construction site, painted white with danger signs and lamps for night visibility.
• Building materials shall not be stacked in a manner that blocks or obstructs drains.
• Upon completion, the builder shall remove all unused materials, clear all drains and cart away all refuse, dirt and hoarding within and around the site.
• If the builder abandons a site untidy after 24 hours' notice, the Area Council may clear the site and recover all expenses from the builder or owner.

Any builder or owner who fails to comply with the provisions of this Bye-Law — whether by refusing to obtain a permit or special permit — shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction as follows: