Property owners across Nigeria are crying out over widespread building demolitions that have left many homeless and businesses crippled.
In Imo State, engineer Bernard Nzerem is still reeling from the July demolition of his N2.2 billion property in Naze despite presenting a Certificate of Occupancy and Power of Attorney. “This was not just a building. It was my entire life’s sweat,” he lamented.
Similar demolitions have rocked Lagos, where bulldozers recently moved into Oworonshoki at night, leaving residents stranded. “The demolition came to us as a surprise,” said Balogun Jamiu, head of the local community association. Displaced resident Afeez Ayeni accused the state government of betrayal, noting that rents have since doubled.
In Kano, over 40 houses were demolished in Rimin Zakara village, leaving several casualties. In Port Harcourt, staff of the Bayelsa Liaison Office still recall their ordeal after their buildings were pulled down in a dispute between state governments.
Experts say poor planning and selective enforcement are worsening the problem. “Where is the government when the foundation was being laid?” asked Andrew Osarhieme, a property expert. “The government is being more reactive than proactive.”
While the Lagos State Building Control Agency insists demolitions are to protect lives, critics argue that most homeowners are not given fair notice. A recent Abuja High Court ruling declared some FCT demolitions illegal and awarded ₦200 million in damages.
Property lawyer Mathias Egem warned that frequent demolitions violate citizens’ right to property and are often used as political weapons. “Many pour their life savings into these buildings,” he said, calling for harmonized property laws and stronger protection against land grabbing.
Source: Business Day
