The Lagos State Government has dismantled several shanties in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA), citing rising security concerns and complaints from residents.
The enforcement operation, spearheaded by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Ikeja GRA Residents Association.
Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of LASBCA, who led the exercise, explained that the removal of the makeshift structures was necessary due to their use as hideouts by criminal elements. He said residents had raised alarms over suspicious activities in the area, including the concealment of suspected stolen goods within the shanties.
“In response to complaints from the Ikeja GRA community about ongoing security threats and criminal activity associated with the shanties, we had to take decisive action,” Oki said.
He added that the government had engaged with residents and stakeholders through meetings and official notifications before the clearance operation. Property owners and developers were also requested to submit documentation to verify compliance with approved building regulations.
Oki urged developers and landlords to respect planning laws and prioritize the safety and well-being of residents by adhering strictly to construction guidelines.
“Compliance with approved building plans is not optional. It’s essential for maintaining a safe and orderly environment,” he emphasized.
Tunde Disu, a resident of the area, commended the government’s swift intervention, describing the cleared structures as a persistent security nuisance. He assured authorities of the community’s continued support in efforts to restore order in Ikeja GRA.
Areas covered during the enforcement exercise included Isaac John Street, Michael Otedola Crescent, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Showemimo Street, and Ajisafe Street, among others.
