The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the recent demolition of buildings in FESTAC Town, clarifying that it had no involvement in the exercise and did not issue any authorisation for the operation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 14, by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the government said the clarification became necessary following public speculation linking it to the demolitions.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, speaking from Alausa, said the state operates a transparent process for any authorised demolition, which includes the issuance of statutory notices and stakeholder engagement before any structure is removed.
“The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the recent demolition of structures in FESTAC Town,” the statement read. “Contrary to speculation, the State Government had no role in the exercise.”
Olumide emphasised that the state was not responsible for the operation, noting that FESTAC Town falls under the administration of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). He urged federal agencies operating within Lagos to seek clearance from the ministry before undertaking any demolition to avoid conflict and misinformation.
While clarifying its position on the FESTAC exercise, the state government confirmed that it had recently carried out demolitions at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, targeting unapproved and unsafe structures deemed to pose public safety risks.
According to the ministry, the affected buildings lacked valid planning permits, despite several amnesty opportunities given to owners to regularise their developments. It dismissed as misleading claims by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that affected traders had obtained necessary approvals.
The statement further clarified that the Trade Fair Complex Management Board has no authority to issue building approvals, citing a 2003 Supreme Court ruling affirming Lagos State’s jurisdiction over physical planning and development control even on federal lands except in core federal enclaves.
In a related development, the government announced plans to begin the removal of properties built on illegal reclamation sites across Lagos from October 15, warning that such structures obstruct natural waterways and contribute to flooding.
