Lagos Authorities Demolish 19 Structures at Trade Fair Complex Over Planning Violations

Lagos State has demolished 19 buildings at New Mandela Plaza inside the Trade Fair Complex.

Officials say the crackdown targets illegal structures on setbacks, drainages, and without government approval.

The Lagos State Government today September 25, began a large-scale demolition exercise at the New Mandela Plaza inside the popular Trade Fair Complex, pulling down 19 buildings said to be illegally constructed.

According to officials, the action targeted developments without government approval, defective buildings and structures erected on road setbacks and drainage channels.

Teams from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and the Office of Infrastructure, accompanied by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and armed security personnel, supervised the operation.

Traders at the complex expressed deep frustration over the loss. One shop owner lamented that each affected building was worth more than ₦150 million, adding that many people had invested their life savings in the plaza. “If the government does not want commercial activity in this area, they should clearly state so,” the trader said, noting that more than 19 structures were impacted.