Lagos govt demolishes over 19 buildings at Trade fair Plaza

The state government started removing illegal development, structures without statutory approvals, defective structures, and structures built on road setbacks and drainages today, September 25, resulting in the demolition of at least 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza, located within the well-known Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Lagos State Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, Office of Infrastructure, and the Honorable Members of the Lagos House of Assembly stormed the area with armed security to complete the demolition.

In response to the demolition, a distressed trader stated that the exercise had an impact on no fewer than 19 buildings, each worth more than N150 million.

“The government should just state clearly if it does not want businesses or development here. This is where people have put their life savings. There are more than 19 buildings in that square,” a trader remarked furiously.