Senator Victor Umeh, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Senator representing Anambra Central, has criticized the recent demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, describing the action by the Lagos State Government as illegal and a breach of jurisdiction. According to Umeh, the Commissioner for Physical Planning in Lagos State acted unlawfully by demolishing buildings at the complex, which is a federal establishment under the management of the Federal Government.

The Trade Fair Complex is a federal property, and as such, it is under the control of federal agencies, not the state government. Umeh explained that federal lands are recorded in the Federal Land Registry in Ikoyi, and not in the Land Registry in Alausa, which is used for state lands. He argued that the Lagos authorities had no legal grounds to act on federal property, and that the Trade Fair Management Board has been solely responsible for the administration of the complex, including approvals for developments, property rates, and ground rent collection.

Umeh stated that the demolitions were carried out without notification to the Trade Fair Management Board or the traders, and that all the buildings that were erected at the complex were approved by the board. He dismissed reports that the affected buildings were constructed on canals and drainages without approval, and described the incident as “an intrusion” by the Lagos State Government. The senator emphasized that the country is governed by the constitution and a set of laws, and that the Commissioner for Physical Planning in Lagos State should not have acted without considering the law.

The demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex have raised concerns about the jurisdiction of state governments over federal properties. Umeh’s criticism highlights the need for clarity on the roles and responsibilities of federal and state agencies in managing federal properties. The incident has also sparked debates about the protection of investments and property rights in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Lagos State Government will respond to Umeh’s criticism and what steps will be taken to address the concerns of the affected traders and property owners.