By JKNewsMedia
CLARIFICATION HAS been offered over the confusion that trailed the demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos as the state government issued a firm note on the enforcement of its physical planning laws.
The government stated that contrary to tribalism claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, the affected traders had failed to obtain the required approvals despite several extensions and amnesty opportunities offered to them.
Mr. Obi had visited the complex following the demolition exercise and expressed sympathy for the affected traders.
He commended what he described as their restraint and alleged that the buildings demolished had approvals from relevant authorities.
He further described the incident as “a test of impunity, justice and compassion.”
The Lagos State Government, however, dismissed his remarks as misleading, maintaining that the demolitions were carried out strictly under the provisions of the state’s physical planning and urban development laws.
They emphasised that none of the demolished structures possessed valid approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
According to the government, last year a general amnesty programme was introduced to allow property owners across Lagos to regularise undocumented buildings.
The amnesty was extended several times, yet the affected owners at the Trade Fair Complex ignored the opportunity.
Lagos authorities explained that this was a deliberate disregard for the law, despite repeated warnings and appeals to comply.
The government also revealed that enforcement officers from the Physical Planning Ministry faced resistance when they attempted to carry out routine inspections at the complex.
During one of the visits, officials said, the gates of the complex were locked against them and the officers were assaulted.
The police intervened to rescue them. Subsequent invitations extended to the property owners for dialogue were also ignored.
Officials confirmed that the affected persons flatly refused to attend meetings arranged to resolve the matter before enforcement action commenced.
The defence offered by the owners, according to the government, was that the Management Board of the Trade Fair Complex had permitted them to erect their structures.
This justification was rejected on the grounds that the board, though established by the Federal Government to manage the complex, does not possess the legal powers to regulate or approve physical developments independently of Lagos State.
The government reiterated that under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992, which has been domesticated through Lagos State’s Physical Planning and Development Regulations, all physical developments in the state must obtain planning permits and approvals from the Lagos State Government.
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is the only recognised body empowered to issue such permits within Lagos territory, including federal enclaves such as the Trade Fair Complex.
State officials stressed that the enforcement was not carried out arbitrarily but followed due process in line with the law.
They added that the demolition became necessary after prolonged refusal by the affected persons to comply with regulations or participate in reconciliation efforts.
The Lagos State Government said that it considered the narratives circulating around the incident, including comments made by Mr Obi, as misrepresentations capable of misleading the public.
Authorities insisted that presenting the issue as an arbitrary demolition disregarded the legal and regulatory framework under which the state operates.
Government sources confirmed that the demolition was part of broader enforcement actions aimed at curbing unlawful physical developments across Lagos.
They pointed out that rapid urbanisation had increased the need for strict regulation to ensure safety, orderliness, and adherence to planning standards.
Officials explained that the integrity of building approvals is critical to preventing tragedies such as building collapses, fire outbreaks, and other risks associated with illegal structures.
The government further noted that the amnesty window declared last year was deliberately designed to ease compliance.
Owners of undocumented structures were given sufficient time to submit necessary documents, pay reduced fees, and bring their properties into conformity with existing laws.
Officials said this measure was introduced to prevent hardship while ensuring legal order in physical development.
However, those at the Trade Fair Complex deliberately ignored the opportunity, even after repeated extensions.
According to the Ministry of Physical Planning, the demolitions were therefore the last resort after all conciliatory options had been exhausted.
Officials stressed that the decision was taken in line with Lagos State’s statutory duty to uphold planning regulations, protect lives, and maintain urban order.
The government also underscored that enforcement exercises are not targeted at any group or section of the population but apply uniformly to all residents of the state.
They noted that previous exercises had been carried out in other parts of Lagos where buildings failed to meet legal requirements, and the Trade Fair Complex case was not an exception.
Authorities emphasised that the rule of law must be respected by all, regardless of political or commercial interests. They insisted that state governments across Nigeria retain the constitutional authority to regulate land use, planning, and physical development within their territories.
Federal boards, agencies, or parastatals managing specific locations cannot override or substitute the legal jurisdiction of states in such matters.
Officials also pointed out that the demolition followed several warnings issued to the affected parties over time.
They said the enforcement action should not be interpreted as sudden, as the government had documented every stage of engagement before reaching the point of demolition.
The government maintained that while it recognised the economic contributions of traders and property owners at the Trade Fair Complex, it would not compromise the enforcement of laws designed to protect the wider interests of society.
Officials added that planning laws are enacted to ensure developments meet safety standards and provide adequate infrastructure support.
Reiterating its position, the Lagos State Government called for accuracy in reporting and public commentary on the issue.
Officials said the circulation of claims that the demolished buildings had approvals was false and contrary to official records.
They insisted that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development remains the only competent authority empowered to approve or regulate developments within Lagos, including the Trade Fair Complex.
The government concluded that it would continue to enforce planning regulations across the state and urged property owners to comply with lawful requirements to avoid disruption.
It reaffirmed that its responsibility lies in maintaining orderly development, safeguarding public safety, and ensuring Lagos remains a city that meets global urban standards.
Until compliance is achieved by all property owners, the government stressed that enforcement actions will remain an essential part of urban management.
Officials confirmed that the Ministry of Physical Planning will intensify monitoring and ensure all developments conform to laid-down rules.
