Lagos State Government Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Regularize Unapproved Structures at Trade Fair Complex
The Lagos State Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to developers and occupants of unapproved structures within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, directing them to regularise their buildings with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The directive, announced on Thursday, 9 October 2025, follows recent enforcement actions that uncovered widespread violations of planning regulations.
In a statement released by the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the state government stated that all developers and occupants must approach the Ministry within 14 days to validate the approval status of their properties in line with existing planning laws.
According to Dr. Olumide, recent inspections at the Trade Fair Complex revealed numerous structures built without necessary approvals, some of which posed serious risks to public safety and emergency response. This discovery led to a wave of demolitions targeting unsafe and illegally constructed buildings within the complex.
“The Trade Fair Complex has become overcrowded with unsafe and haphazard structures. To safeguard lives and ensure orderly development, all affected developers are required to regularise their approvals immediately,” the Commissioner stated.
Government Rejects Claims of Bias
Addressing public criticism and allegations of ethnic bias in the enforcement process, the Ministry emphasized that similar demolition and compliance exercises have taken place across several markets and residential areas in Lagos, irrespective of ethnic composition.
The statement cited several examples, including enforcement operations at Pelewura Market, Bombata Market, and Oluwole Market on Lagos Island all predominantly occupied by Yoruba traders as well as Alaba Rago and Otumara, Ebute Metta. The Ministry described any attempt to politicize or ethicize the exercise as “disingenuous and divisive,” reaffirming that enforcement was strictly in line with urban safety standards.
Clarifying Jurisdiction and Legal Authority
The government also clarified the legal foundation of its actions, referencing a 2003 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed state jurisdiction over physical planning and development control, including on federally owned lands, except in designated federal enclaves.
It further dismissed claims by political figures suggesting that traders within the complex had secured valid building permits, asserting that only the Lagos State Government through its Physical Planning Ministry has the statutory authority to issue planning approvals.
Dr. Olumide noted that traders and developers had previously been given multiple amnesty opportunities to regularize their properties but failed to comply. “The government will continue to act within the law to protect lives, preserve order, and uphold Lagos’ development standards,” he added.
Urban Planning and Public Safety Considerations
The recent enforcement drive is part of Lagos State’s broader urban renewal strategy aimed at addressing structural integrity concerns and maintaining compliance with the city’s master plan. Overcrowded and unapproved developments within commercial hubs such as the Trade Fair Complex have long been identified as high-risk zones for fire outbreaks, flooding, and traffic congestion.
Urban planning experts have noted that such measures, while often controversial, are crucial to achieving sustainable city development. However, they emphasise the need for consistent public engagement and clear regulatory communication to prevent future infractions.
Conclusion
With the two-week deadline now in effect, developers and occupants within the Trade Fair Complex have until late October to regularize their building approvals or face further enforcement. The Lagos State Government maintains that the exercise is not punitive but a necessary step toward enforcing compliance, enhancing public safety, and sustaining Lagos’ long-term urban development goals.
