Lagos Government to Embark on Illegal Structure Demolitions Across State

In a bid to enforce urban planning laws and safeguard public safety, the Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to demolish illegal buildings across the state.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, at least 349 unsafe buildings have been pulled down in the past year, with many more expected to follow.

The government’s crackdown on illegal structures has been particularly focused on Banana Island, where numerous buildings have been marked for demolition due to lack of approval or construction in restricted areas, such as near the shoreline and under power lines.

The move has sparked concern among residents and property owners on the island, who have been urging the government to take action.

Babatunde revealed that the Lagos State Building Control Agency, under the leadership of Gbolahan Oki, had issued demolition notices to affected property owners and requested them to produce their building papers for verification.

The agency has also invited property owners to regularize their building approvals, with the verification exercise now concluded.

The government has announced that a comprehensive report on the exercise is ready and will be made public soon, paving the way for further action.

The report is expected to provide details on the number of buildings affected, the reasons for their demolition, and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The demolition of illegal buildings is not limited to Banana Island, as the Lagos State Building Control Agency has also taken down structures in other parts of the state, including Abule Egba, Iyana-Iba, and Iyana Isheri. Most of these buildings were constructed under power lines, which is a clear violation of the law.

In addition to demolition, the government has also taken back 39 properties from offenders since 2021 and imposed fines on those found guilty of violating urban planning laws.

The move is seen as a significant step towards restoring order and sanity to the state’s built environment.

While the government’s actions have been welcomed by many, there are concerns about the potential impact on affected property owners and the broader economy.

The government must ensure that its efforts to enforce urban planning laws are balanced with the need to protect the rights of property owners and promote economic growth.