The Lagos State Government on Thursday, September 25, demolished no fewer than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the popular Trade Fair Complex.
According to officials, the exercise targeted illegal developments, structures without statutory approvals, defective buildings, and those erected on road setbacks and drainage channels.
The demolition was carried out by a joint task force comprising officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and the Office of Infrastructure. Honorable Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were also present, alongside armed security operatives who provided enforcement support.
A trader affected by the demolition expressed frustration, claiming that each of the demolished buildings was worth over ₦150 million.
“If government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza,” the distraught trader lamented.
The Lagos government has yet to release an official statement on the next line of action following the demolition exercise.