The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (AUOMMATON) have accused the Lagos State Government of illegally demolishing 15 workshops at the Otumara Mechanic Village in Ebute-Metta, displacing over 100 workers and threatening their livelihoods.
The demolition, which took place on March 7, 2025, has sparked outrage from union leaders, who allege the action was a coordinated land grab disguised as urban renewal. The affected workshops—home to mechanics, electricians, panel beaters, and other artisans—were reportedly established in 1980 under the Lateef Jakande administration and formally allocated by the Ministry of Transportation in 1989.
Union officials say they were repeatedly assured by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development that the site was safe, only for bulldozers—accompanied by security personnel and unidentified individuals—to raze the structures without notice. Many artisans were allegedly chased off the site at gunpoint.
AUOMMATON Chairman, Julius Lawa, described the demolition as a violation of workers’ rights and a betrayal of decades-long cooperation with the government. “We have operated lawfully for over 40 years. This demolition was not only illegal—it was a direct attack on our existence,” he said.
NLC Lagos Chairperson, Agnes Funmi, warned the move could provoke broader labour unrest if left unaddressed. “These workers are NLC members. If one is hurt, we all feel it,” she stated, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene.
Legal advocate Jiti Ogunye, who has pledged to represent the union, condemned the act as a breach of state policy. He argued that the mechanic village system was created to prevent street-side repairs and promote organised trade. “Public purpose must include supporting livelihoods, not destroying them,” Ogunye said.
The union is demanding a government investigation, compensation for affected members, and either reconstruction of the workshops or relocation to a suitable site. Meanwhile, state officials have not publicly responded to the allegations.
As Lagos expands rapidly toward its projected 2030 megacity status, tensions are growing between urban development goals and the protection of informal workers—many of whom form the backbone of the state’s economy. AUOMMATON has vowed to pursue justice through legal and public channels until their demands are met.
