Confusion and weeping reigned at the popular Trade Fair Complex on Thursday as the Lagos State Government demolished buildings allegedly lacking proper documentation.
Some of the over 19 buildings, each reportedly valued at over N150 million, were brought down in the exercise that took place at the New Mandela Plaza within the Trade Fair Complex.
A plaza owner, who arrived while his shop was being pulled down, screamed from his car that no notice had been served before the bulldozers moved in.
Some sales representatives lamented that their bosses’ goods, still locked inside the shops, were destroyed along with the buildings.
The Lagos State Government began the demolition of what it described as “illegal developments and defective structures” at the popular Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area on Thursday, sparking tension among traders and property owners.
The state government said the operation aimed to remove illegal and unsafe structures from the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo as part of efforts to restore order and enforce physical planning laws.
The state government also ordered that all ongoing construction works within the complex be halted until proper approval is granted, warning that failure to comply would result in the demolition of the affected structures.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr Abiodun Babatunde Olajide, gave the directive during the enforcement exercise.
Speaking after a meeting with the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Oluyinka stressed that all buildings within the complex must present evidence of valid permits, warning that failure to do so would lead to their demolition.
He insisted that physical development within the complex must comply with state laws and added that the government would not tolerate chaotic or unregulated construction.
The demolition 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. Stern-looking officers restricted access to the premises and turned away traders who attempted to record the exercise.
By mid-day, several buildings inside the plaza had already been reduced to rubble, sparking outrage among shop owners who claimed they had not been served prior notice.
One trader said: “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down, asking questions.”
The operation was jointly carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority. Also present were officials from the Office of Infrastructure, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and security agencies providing backup.
When contacted to clarify the Task Force’s role, its Chairman said the operation did not originate from his office. He explained: “Sometimes, security agencies in the state seek the backup of the Task Force to secure the environment. That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know.”
Adu Ademuyiwa, the Director of Public Affairs for LASBCA, said on phone that the structures lacked proper documentation.
Ademuyiwa said: “They all claim they have Federal documents and don’t want to work with the state government.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the demolition in a brief statement posted on his official social media handle.
“FLASH: Lagos State Government begins removal of illegal development, structures without statutory approvals and defective structures and structures built on road setback and drainages in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government area,” Gawat wrote.
He further disclosed that the operation was jointly carried out by multiple state agencies, including the Office of the Lagos State Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Office of Infrastructure, as well as members of the Lagos House of Assembly and armed security operatives.
Many netizens have also called on the government to fish out the officials who initially permitted the construction of the buildings and ensure they are all punished as prescribed.
