Lagos Govt Defends Trade Fair Demolition, Reaffirms Authority to Enforce Planning Laws

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its authority to enforce physical planning laws across the state, including at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area.

This reaffirmation follows Thursday’s demolition exercise, during which enforcement officials used cranes to pull down buildings alleged to have been erected illegally, sparking protests from affected traders.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said on Friday that the state’s action was supported by a 2003 Supreme Court judgment and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended), which mandate the government to regulate and enforce planning standards.

Olumide clarified that although the Trade Fair Complex is situated on federal land, developers are still required to obtain planning permits from the Lagos State Government and comply with its regulations.

“We have acted decisively to halt further development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the Complex. A livable, organised, orderly, and sustainable built environment is crucial to achieving our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda,” the commissioner stated.

He explained that the Trade Fair Complex has a long history of non-compliance with building laws, adding that repeated directives—including a November 2023 order to regularise constructions with the ministry—were ignored.

Olumide stressed that the enforcement was part of a wider effort to ensure safety, livability, and sustainable urban growth across Lagos State, not limited to the Trade Fair Complex.