The Lagos State Government on Friday explained the reason behind the demolition of buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo.
According to the state authorities, the exercise was carried out to enforce physical planning laws and ensure safety within the area.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, speaking through the ministry’s Public Affairs Director, Mukaila Sanusi, said that although the land belongs to the federal government, developers are still required to obtain planning permits from the state and comply with its building regulations.
He noted that the complex has a long history of ignoring planning rules and refusing to cooperate with government efforts at achieving compliance. The state had, since November 2023, directed developers to regularise their approvals but many failed to act. The commissioner said the action was aimed at preventing unsafe and unapproved structures from endangering lives while also promoting orderliness and well-being in line with the state’s development agenda.
On Thursday, over 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza section of the complex were pulled down by state agencies and security operatives. Officials said the affected structures were either without approval, structurally weak, or built on road setbacks and drainage paths.
The demolition attracted mixed reactions from traders, with some expressing frustration over their losses while government officials maintained that the action was necessary to protect the environment and public safety.