Mixed Reaction As Lagos Begins Demolition Of Illegal Buildings At Trade Fair Complex -

The Lagos State Government on Thursday commenced the demolition of structures deemed illegal at the popular Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, sparking mixed reactions from traders, residents, and business operators.

The operation was carried out jointly by the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.

Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the exercise in a post on X.

FLASH: Lagos State Government begins removal of illegal development, structures without statutory approvals and defective structures and structures built on road setback and drainages in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government area.

He said the operation was targeted at “illegal developments, structures without statutory approvals, defective structures, and buildings erected on road setbacks and drainages.”

“The Lagos State Government has begun removal of illegal developments, structures without statutory approvals and defective structures, and structures built on road setback and drainages in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government area,” Gawat said.

Officials of LASBCA, backed by security operatives, moved heavy-duty equipment into the sprawling commercial hub in the early hours of the day.

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The exercise targeted shops, warehouses, and extensions said to have been erected without approval, encroaching on access roads and safety setbacks within the complex.

Speaking to journalists, LASBCA General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, said the enforcement followed several notices served to defaulters who allegedly ignored directives to regularize their structures. He maintained that the move was in line with the state government’s urban renewal agenda and its zero-tolerance policy on illegal developments.

“The government cannot fold its arms and watch unapproved buildings spring up in such a strategic location. The demolition is to restore order, ensure safety and protect the integrity of the Trade Fair environment,” Oki explained.

Also present were the Office of Infrastructure, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and security agencies who provided backup during the exercise.

While some traders applauded the government’s action, insisting that the illegal structures caused congestion and blocked emergency exits, others expressed anger and frustration. Many affected shop owners accused the authorities of insensitivity, claiming that their investments were being destroyed without adequate alternatives provided.

Mrs. Ifeoma Nwankwo, a textile dealer, lamented:

“I have spent millions setting up here. Yes, they say it’s illegal, but why did they allow us to build in the first place? Now, everything is gone in a day.”

On the other hand, some visitors welcomed the exercise, noting that the complex had become chaotic and unsafe due to haphazard developments. “It’s tough on the traders, but order must be restored if this place is to serve its purpose,” said a customer, Mr. Adewale Oladipo.

The Trade Fair Complex, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, hosts thousands of shops and warehouses and serves as a major distribution point for imported goods. The state government has repeatedly flagged safety concerns at the site, citing poor planning, blocked access routes, and illegal attachments as risks that could worsen in the event of fire or building collapse.

As the demolition continues, affected traders are calling on the government to provide relocation support, while officials insist that compliance with planning regulations is non-negotiable.