The demolition exercise, which affected several plazas within the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) market, was carried out by officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
The development has stirred controversy and concern among traders and political leaders, particularly from the South-East region.
Last Tuesday, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited the affected market alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Austin Akobundu, and Victor Umeh. Obi condemned the demolition, claiming that the affected structures had valid government approvals before they were pulled down.
However, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olumide Oluyinka, dismissed Obi’s claims, insisting that the exercise was not targeted at Igbo traders but was necessary due to safety and regulatory violations. He maintained that the buildings lacked valid approvals and posed structural risks.
Speaking over the weekend during the commissioning of projects in Aba, Abia State, Kalu pleaded with President Tinubu to prevail on the Lagos State government to halt further demolitions.
“Mr. President, the destruction of the homes and businesses of our brothers in Lagos truly breaks our hearts,” Kalu said. “For those who may not yet have the right documents, I appeal to you to ask the governor of Lagos to accommodate them and allow them to regularise their papers instead of demolishing their properties.”
The deputy speaker praised President Tinubu for his fiscal reforms and for ensuring that states have access to more funds following the removal of fuel subsidies.
“I want us to be very vocal in appreciating the President for how he has made more resources available to states. He didn’t keep that money in Abuja; he sent it to the states. We must give credit to whom credit is due,” Kalu added.
Kalu further called for the establishment of a functional seaport in the South-East, noting that such a development would significantly boost trade and economic growth in the region.
