By Abiola Olawale
The Lagos State Government has handed property developers and structure owners at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo a two-week deadline to obtain building approvals.
The directive was announced by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, on Thursday.
The Commissioner stated that during the time frame, the developers are expected to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to “regularise their approval status of their buildings”.
The development came after the demolition exercise around the trade fair area had been perceived as targeting a particular ethnic group by some aggrieved residents.
Olumide stated: “All developers and occupants of structures within the Trade Fair Complex are hereby given a two-week ultimatum to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to regularise the approval status of their buildings in line with extant regulations.
“The Lagos State Government calls on all residents and stakeholders to cooperate with its ongoing efforts to ensure a safe, well-planned, and sustainable Lagos for all.”
The Commissioner said land ownership and title are not in contention at the Trade Fair Complex, hence the need for all developers and occupants of structures to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
According to him, the ongoing enforcement focuses solely on the approval status of physical developments, as every structure in Lagos State must obtain a valid planning permit from the ministry in accordance with the law.
“Over time, the Trade Fair Complex has degenerated into an enclave of haphazard and unsafe structures, posing grave risks to public safety and emergency response,” Olumide said.
He noted that the enforcement aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, which prioritises inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Citing the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law (2019), Olumide said the state is constitutionally empowered to regulate physical development within its territory — including federal lands not used for exclusive federal purposes such as military bases.
“For clarity, land ownership and title are not in contention at the Trade Fair Complex. The ongoing enforcement focuses solely on the approval status of physical developments. Every structure in Lagos State must have a valid planning permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,” he added.
