Who Regulates Trade Fair Complex? Lagos, Backed by Court Ruling, Says ‘We Do’
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing physical planning laws across the state, including at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, stated this in Lagos on Friday in a release signed by Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs of the ministry.
Olumide explained that the state’s stance is backed by a 2003 Supreme Court judgment as well as the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 (as amended).
He stressed that although the Trade Fair Complex sits on Federal Government land, developers must still obtain planning permits from the state and comply with its laws.
“We have acted to stop the development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the complex. A liveable, organised and sustainable environment is vital to achieving our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda,” Olumide said.
He noted that the complex has a long record of disregarding building regulations and failing to cooperate with government efforts to ensure voluntary compliance. Since November 2023, the ministry had directed developers to regularise their approvals, but many refused.
The enforcement drive, he added, is part of government’s continuous efforts to promote safety, orderliness and public well-being.
On 25 September, the Lagos State Government demolished more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza section of the complex. Authorities said the structures were either unapproved, structurally defective, or erected on road setbacks and drainage alignments.
The demolition, which involved several state agencies and security personnel, drew mixed reactions from traders, some of whom lamented financial losses.
