The Lagos State Government has commenced the demolition of illegal and unsafe structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo to enforce physical planning laws and restore order. Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the operation, which targets illegal developments, structures without statutory approvals, and buildings erected on road setbacks and drainages.
Gawat emphasized that the government could no longer allow unapproved developments to block critical infrastructure and endanger lives. The demolition operation is being carried out by several agencies, including the Ministry of Physical Planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, with security agencies providing backup.
Bulldozers were observed dismantling marked structures while concerned traders and shop owners looked on, worried about the impact on their businesses. The Sanwo-Olu administration has previously warned residents against illegal construction, as such violations contribute to flooding, traffic congestion, and urban disorder in Lagos.
This demolition is part of ongoing efforts to protect infrastructure and ensure safety in the highly congested city. The state had previously implemented an amnesty program allowing owners of unapproved structures to regularise their buildings without penalty. However, as this amnesty has ended, enforcement actions have increased, particularly against constructions obstructing drainage channels or deemed unsafe.
Past demolition exercises have triggered backlash from displaced residents who reported inadequate notice to relocate or safeguard their belongings.
