The directive follows the recent partial demolition of structures erected without approval from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, announced the ultimatum on Thursday, describing it as a final opportunity for affected developers to comply before enforcement resumes.
Olumide clarified that the government’s action was guided by legal provisions and global best practices, adding that the exercise was in the interest of public safety.
“Over time, the Trade Fair Complex has turned into an enclave of haphazard and unsafe buildings, posing serious risks to public safety and emergency response operations,” he said.
According to him, the enforcement aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, which focuses on inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Citing relevant laws, including the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law (2019), Olumide explained that Lagos is constitutionally empowered to regulate all physical developments within its boundaries — even on federal lands not used for exclusive federal purposes.
He further dismissed allegations of political or ethnic bias, noting that similar enforcement had taken place in other parts of Lagos such as Pelewura Market, Ilasan Estate, Otumara, Alaba Rago, and Oluwole Market.
“The law applies to everyone equally, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation,” Olumide said. “It is misleading and divisive to interpret lawful enforcement through an ethnic lens.”
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to urban renewal and the creation of a safe, orderly, and sustainable Lagos that serves the interests of all residents.
