The Lagos State Government has commenced the demolition of illegally constructed buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to restore order and enforce physical planning laws in the state. Over 19 buildings were demolished during the exercise, with traders and shop owners expressing concern over the impact on their businesses.
The demolition exercise was carried out under heavy security, with a convoy of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams stationed around the plaza. The officers restricted access to the premises and sent away traders who attempted to record the exercise.
According to the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, the government could no longer fold its arms while unapproved developments blocked critical infrastructure and endangered lives. “The Lagos State Government has begun removal of illegal developments, structures without statutory approvals and defective structures, and structures built on road setback and drainages in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government area,” he stated.
The affected structures were valued at over N150 million each, with some owners lamenting that they were not served prior notice before the demolition. One trader angrily said, “If government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza.”
Another trader speculated that the affected structures might have been marked for being too close to a canal. The traders were left wondering why their buildings were demolished without notice. “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down, asking questions,” a trader said.
The Lagos State Government has consistently warned residents against erecting buildings without proper approvals or blocking drainage channels, stressing that such violations contribute to flooding, traffic congestion, and urban disorder in Lagos.
The demolition exercise was jointly carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
