Nigeria TV Info 

Heavy Security as Lagos Govt Demolishes Over 19 Buildings at Trade Fair Plaza

In a dramatic move under tight security, the Lagos State Government on Thursday razed more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza, within the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos.

What Happened

• The demolition operation was aimed at illegal developments, structures lacking statutory approvals, defective buildings, and those built on road setbacks or encroaching on drainages.
• The exercise was executed by a coalition of agencies, including the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), and the Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
• Also present were security forces, including the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical teams, which sealed off the area, controlled access, and removed traders who attempted to record the demolition.

Traders’ Reaction & Losses

• Many shop owners and traders expressed outrage, claiming no prior notice was given before the demolition.
• Some reported that goods still locked inside the structures—ranging from textiles to electronics—were destroyed in the process.
• According to affected traders, each demolished building was valued at over ₦150 million, and no fewer than 19 buildings were impacted.
• 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.”
• Another owner, arriving while his shop was being demolished, protested from his vehicle, stating that no notice was given ahead of the operation.

Official Comments & Clarification

• Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the demolition via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He stated that the action targets unapproved developments, defective structures, and buildings encroaching on drainages and setbacks.
• The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force denied initiating the demolition, clarifying that the Task Force only acted in a support/security backup role when requested by other agencies.
• As of press time, no formal or comprehensive statement had been issued by the Lagos State Government expanding on the rationale, compensation plan, or remediation strategy.

Context & Implications

• Enforcement actions against unapproved building and obstruction of drainage channels have been part of previous Lagos State efforts to manage urban disorder, flooding risks, and infrastructure integrity.
• In the weeks leading up to this, the state had been pushing to apply stricter enforcement after the expiration of previous amnesty windows for regularizing irregular buildings.
• However, such demolitions often generate controversy around due process, notice, compensation, and the humanitarian fallout on displaced traders and property owners.

Looking Ahead

• Stakeholders, including traders, business associations, and legal advocates, are expected to demand clarity on compensation, legal recourse, and the government’s next steps.
• Observers will watch whether the Lagos State Government issues a more detailed statement, conduct post-demolition surveys, or establish mechanisms to mitigate losses to affected parties.
• The incident may also spark public debate about balance between enforcing planning laws and protecting livelihoods, especially in high-stakes commercial zones like Trade Fair.