The Lagos State Government has commenced a demolition exercise at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, targeting unsafe and illegal buildings. The operation, which began on Thursday, is a joint effort between the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.

According to Jubril, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the exercise aims to restore order and enforce physical planning laws in the area. The operation focuses on removing “illegal developments, structures without statutory approvals, defective structures, and buildings erected on road setbacks and drainages.” This move is intended to address the issue of non-compliant structures that pose a risk to occupants and the general public.

The demolition exercise was carried out with the support of the Office of Infrastructure, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and security agencies, which provided backup during the operation. The presence of these stakeholders underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with physical planning regulations and maintaining public safety.

The Trade Fair Complex, located in the Ojo Local Government area, has been identified as a hotspot for illegal developments and non-compliant structures. The government’s decision to embark on this demolition exercise is a significant step towards restoring order and sanity in the area. By removing unsafe and illegal buildings, the authorities aim to prevent potential disasters and protect the lives of occupants and nearby residents.

The exercise is also expected to pave the way for the redevelopment of the area, in line with the state’s urban renewal strategy. As the government continues to enforce physical planning laws, it is likely that similar exercises will be carried out in other parts of the state, targeting non-compliant structures and illegal developments. The outcome of this exercise will be closely monitored, and its impact on the community will be assessed in the coming days.