November 9, 2023

The Lagos State Government has clamped down on illegal buildings at the International Trade Fair complex, Ojo.

The exercise was carried out by the Special Enforcement team led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide on Wednesday, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Oluwole Sotire; the General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike and functionaries of the Lagos State Building Control Agency

The Commissioner, who supervised the sealing and partial removal of block works of some unapproved buildings, some of which were commercial premises warehouses and stores, said that the International Trade Fair was notorious for all forms of illegal buildings.

Also touched by the enforcement exercise at the trade fair complex were structures under construction, amongst which were those erected on drainage alignments.

The Commissioner decried the penchant for erecting buildings without approval, especially at the trade fair complex, where developers had been unyielding despite years of serving notices and stop-work orders.

He stated that the trade fair complex being within the federal government land did not exempt developers from obtaining Planning Permits from the Lagos State Government as the Supreme Court judgement of 2003 had explicitly placed the responsibility for Planning on State Governments.

He emphasised that the enforcement exercise would continue in the area until 100 percent compliance was achieved.

Olumide, therefore, urged all property owners and developers within the trade fair complex to approach the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Amuwo District Office, to file their applications and regularise their buildings.