0
0
The Lagos State Government has said that the buildings recently demolished at the Trade Fair Complex did not have proper approvals from the state. This was stated by the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, in a press release issued on October 1.
The clarification follows criticism from former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who visited the site on September 30 along with several South East leaders. During the visit, Obi condemned the demolition and claimed that the affected traders had obtained the required building approvals before construction.
In his statement, Obi said that some traders had taken loans to finance their businesses and that the demolitions had destroyed their means of livelihood. He also urged the government to act with fairness and compassion, especially given the economic hardships many Nigerians are facing.
However, Omotoso stated that the demolished buildings had no planning approval from the Lagos State Government. He explained that the government had previously declared a general amnesty period, allowing property owners to regularize their documents, but the affected individuals failed to comply.
According to the commissioner, when officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning attempted to access the complex for inspection, they were obstructed and allegedly attacked, requiring police intervention. He added that efforts to engage the property owners in dialogue were ignored.
The government also addressed claims that the Trade Fair Management Board, a federal agency, had granted approval for the constructions. Omotoso clarified that the Board is only authorized to manage leases and commercial activities, not to issue building permits. He stated that under Nigerian law, including a 2003 Supreme Court ruling, planning and development control fall under the authority of state governments.
He emphasized that all physical developments in Lagos State require permits from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, regardless of whether the land is federally owned.
“The Management Board can allocate spaces and give administrative consent, but building approvals must come from the Lagos State Government,” the statement read.
The government concluded by saying that it is committed to upholding physical planning laws and that enforcement actions will continue where necessary.
