The Lagos State Government has defended the demolition of more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza, Trade Fair Complex, insisting that the exercise was necessary to tackle illegal developments and protect public safety.
Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the operation in a post on X, explaining that the targeted structures included “illegal developments, buildings without statutory approvals, defective constructions, and those erected on road setbacks and drainage channels”.
“The Lagos State Government can no longer fold its arms while unapproved developments block critical infrastructure and endanger lives,” Gawat stated.
The enforcement was a joint effort by the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, with heavy security presence providing backup.
However, following tensions that trailed the exercise, the state government later directed an immediate suspension of the demolitions. It also ordered that all ongoing construction works within the area be halted pending further review.
Leadership of the market subsequently met with government representatives, where both parties agreed to reconvene on Tuesday next week for further deliberations.
