Lagos reiterates its zero tolerance policy regarding illegal constructions at the Trade Fair Complex

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its firm stance against illegal and unapproved constructions within the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, emphasizing that such developments pose significant threats to public safety.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made this declaration in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the state government recently undertook the demolition of illegal structures in various locations throughout the state, including areas surrounding the trade fair complex.

NAN further reports that the demolition activities in the vicinity of the trade fair have been perceived by some disgruntled residents as an attempt to target a specific ethnic group.

However, Olumide clarified that the government's enforcement actions are supported by the Supreme Court ruling of 2003, which grants states the authority to regulate physical developments within their jurisdictions, except in areas designated for exclusive federal use.

He also noted that the state government's position aligns with its responsibility to ensure a safe, orderly, and sustainable physical environment, as mandated by the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019.

Consequently, the commissioner has issued a two-week deadline for all developers and occupants within the trade fair complex to regularize their building approvals with the ministry.

He clarified that the initiative at the trade fair complex is not concerned with land ownership or title but rather with ensuring that all buildings possess valid planning permits.

He urged certain political figures, particularly those from the south-east, to refrain from misrepresenting the facts and exploiting ethnic sentiments to undermine the government's enforcement actions.

The commissioner emphasized that the current initiative is not aimed at any particular group but is part of a broader effort to uphold order and public safety throughout Lagos.

Olumide listed places where illegal structures had also been removed to include Pelewura Market, Bombata Market, LSDPC Ilasan Estate, Otumara in Ebute Metta, Alaba Rago, and Oluwole Market.

According to him, these areas are largely occupied by different ethnic groups.

He noted that other states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo had also carried out similar demolitions to enforce urban renewal and flood control measures without ethnic bias.

”It is therefore wrong for anyone to attach ethnic meaning to the enforcement in Lagos. The actions of the state government are always guided by law,” he said.

He urged all residents and stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to achieve a safe, well-planned and sustainable city for everyone.