Background of the Demolition Exercise
In late September 2025, the Lagos State Government initiated a large-scale demolition exercise at the New Mandela Plaza within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government Area. The exercise involved several state agencies, including the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, LASBCA, LASURA, LASPPPA, the Office of Infrastructure, and security personnel. Honourable members of the Lagos State House of Assembly oversaw the process.
The demolition targeted buildings identified as illegal, defective, or constructed without approval and on restricted areas like road setbacks and drainage channels. Some buildings reached as high as five stories, raising public astonishment over how such large structures could be built without the necessary permits.
The Crux of the Problem: Permits and Compliance
A pressing concern voiced by many—including Jimi Disu—is how such significant developments progressed without proper permits. Although the Trade Fair Complex is federal land, Lagos State insists developers comply with state planning laws and acquire valid permits. Efforts to enforce compliance reportedly began in November 2023, but many developers failed to comply.
The existence of multi-storey plazas without permits reflects lapses in regulatory oversight and societal issues like easy access to illicit money enabling lawlessness in construction. Weak institutional governance permits such unchecked illegal developments.
Government Oversight Failures
Lagos State officials and critics express frustration at ministries allowing unauthorized buildings to reach advanced stages before intervening, signaling systemic failure and corruption. Questions arise on why no action was taken at the foundational stage and how officials overlooked or ignored the extensive construction activity.
The demolition exercise, though framed as enforcing safety and planning laws, also drew criticism for its delayed timing and perceived inefficiency. Many questioned why buildings were nearly completed—some fully fitted with windows—before enforcement, thereby wasting resources.
Impact on Traders and Residents
The demolition caused significant upheaval for traders and residents who invested life savings into these buildings. Many reported losses upwards of ₦150 million, with videos showing traders helplessly watching bulldozers demolish their assets.
Public outcry called for humane treatment, transparent communication, and compensation where appropriate. The Lagos government declined compensation due to the illegal status of structures but emphasized enforcement was necessary for safety and to protect infrastructure.
Broader Urban Planning and Governance Implications
This incident highlights wider challenges in Lagos and other Nigerian cities: poor regulatory enforcement, corruption, and lack of federal-state coordination promoting chaotic urban growth and unsafe development.
- The Trade Fair Complex has a history of flouting planning laws, with warnings often ignored.
- Illegal constructions obstruct drainage and worsen flooding risks.
- Systemic corruption and collusion enable bypassing regulations.
- Urban management is reactive, relying on demolition over prevention.
Lagos State reiterates commitment to the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda for a livable megacity but acknowledges the implementation gaps. Authorities encourage community collaboration for voluntary compliance and sustainable growth.
Calls for Accountability and Legal Redress
Voices like Jimi Disu urge legal action against both irresponsible building owners and negligent government officials. Owners may sue the government for allowing prolonged unauthorized construction, incurring losses upon demolition. Officials responsible for oversight lapses should face firings, prosecutions, or civil suits for deterrence.
Governance reforms require transparency, strict permit enforcement from project inception, and rooting out corruption to rebuild trust and protect city development.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Lagos’ Development Challenges
The Trade Fair Complex demolitions reveal governance and urban management problems Lagos must confront, balancing economic aspirations with lawful, safe urban growth. Addressing these requires political will, interagency cooperation, community engagement, and institutional reform. Enforcement paired with fairness and support for affected persons can build a foundation for an organized, compliant, and thriving Lagos.
This episode is a wake-up call urging Lagos to intensify efforts for safer, well-planned development that benefits all residents while protecting public assets for future generations.
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