The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its authority to enforce physical planning laws within its jurisdiction, including the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area.
After the state’s enforcement team used cranes to raze buildings accused of being illegally developed on Thursday, several traders were left to mourn their financial losses.
Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, announced on Friday that the state’s actions are authorized by the Supreme Court judgment of 2003 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended), which confer upon the government the power to regulate and enforce planning laws.
Olumide emphasized that the Trade Fair Complex’s location on federal land does not preclude developers from obtaining planning permits from the Lagos State Government or adhering to its physical planning regulations.
We have taken decisive measures to prevent the further development of unauthorized and unsafe buildings within the Complex. A livable, organized, orderly, and sustainable built environment is vital to achieving our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda,” the commissioner said.
He pointed out that the Trade Fair Complex has a history of non-compliance with building regulations and has disregarded repeated warnings, including a directive issued in November 2023 to regularise building constructions with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Olumide stressed that the enforcement exercise is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote safety, livability, and well-being across Lagos State, extending beyond the Trade Fair Complex.
