Lagos demolishes over 19 illegal buildings at new Mandela Plaza
Video: Lagos demolishes over 19 illegal buildings at new Mandela Plaza to protect infrastructure
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Lagos State Government has commenced the demolition of more than 19 illegal buildings at New Mandela Plaza within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government Area.
The operation began Thursday under heavy security with trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams securing the area.
Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the exercise on X, stating it targets “illegal developments, structures without statutory approvals, defective structures, and buildings erected on road setbacks and drainages.”
He underscored that the government “could no longer fold its arms while unapproved developments blocked critical infrastructure and endangered lives.”
The coordinated demolition involved the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
Officials from the Office of Infrastructure, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and security agencies also provided support.
Bulldozers actively tore down marked structures as concerned traders and shop owners watched, worried about the impact on their businesses.
