The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, over the demolition of illegal structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, describing his remarks as “misleading and unfair.”
Mr. Obi, who visited the complex, had commended traders for their “restraint” and claimed that the affected buildings had government approvals. He went further to describe the demolitions as a “test of impunity, justice and compassion.”
But the Lagos State Government insists the facts tell a different story.
No Approvals, No Compliance
According to Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the affected structures had no valid planning approvals. In 2024, government declared a general amnesty period — later extended — to allow property owners to regularise their papers.
“The owners ignored the offer,” the government said. “When Physical Planning officials visited, they were assaulted and rescued by the police. Invitations to dialogue were also turned down.”
Their only defence, the government explained, was that the Trade Fair Management Board permitted them to build. But Lagos insists this is legally wrong.
Who Has the Power?
Under Nigerian law, physical planning and building control fall within the authority of state governments. The 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Act, as domesticated by Lagos State, requires that all physical development within the state obtain planning permits through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
This position, Lagos stressed, was reinforced by the 2003 Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which affirmed that state governments have jurisdiction over land use and physical planning within their territories — even on federal lands, except in exclusive enclaves such as military bases.
“The Trade Fair Board may manage leases, shops, and commercial activity,” the statement clarified, “but it cannot approve or regulate building developments. That authority rests solely with the Lagos State Government.”
Law, Not Emotions
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the issue was not about politics or sentiment but about law and order.
We must decide the kind of society we want — one governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests,” he declared.
The state maintained that unapproved structures would continue to be treated as illegal and subject to sealing or demolition, regardless of who is involved.
