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.

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Over 30,000 people in Oworoshoki, Lagos, have been left homeless following a wave of violent demolitions carried out by state authorities. Families lost homes, businesses, and community spaces in demolitions executed overnight by a joint government task force.

For many residents who survive on daily wages and petty trade, the demolitions have destroyed both shelter and livelihood. Amnesty International and other rights groups say the forced evictions were carried out without prior consultation, compensation, or resettlement plans.

Since July 2023, more than 1,500 homes have been demolished in Oworoshoki alone. Amnesty International has recorded at least 12 deaths linked to trauma and worsening living conditions. The group warns that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s justification of the demolitions under “urban planning” policies shifts the burden of failed city planning onto Lagos’s poorest residents.

These demolitions are part of a broader pattern. Between November 2016 and April 2017, over 30,000 people were evicted from Otodo-Gbame and Ilubirin communities, despite court orders prohibiting the action. That operation led to at least 11 deaths, with 17 people still missing.

Human rights observers believe the continued evictions in Lagos are tied to land grabbing, where land from poor communities is handed to private developers and politically connected elites.

Forced evictions are prohibited under international law. They strip people of dignity, livelihood, and the right to adequate housing. Rights groups are calling on the Lagos State Government to halt all demolitions, respect housing rights, and provide safe alternatives for displaced residents.

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Their appeal follows the recent demolition of houses in Gishiri community, which has sparked outrage among residents and concerned stakeholders.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, who represented the group, condemned the demolition, stating that while infrastructure development is essential, it must not come at the expense of people’s homes and livelihoods.

“The government has a moral and legal obligation to engage with affected families and uphold their rights. Ignoring the voices of displaced landowners is an act of impunity we cannot accept,” Dara stated.

The senior citizens emphasized the need for fair and clear compensation, urging the administration to engage all stakeholders—including community leaders and displaced property owners—to ensure a just resolution.

“Compensation should not be shrouded in secrecy. It must be transparent and reflective of the true value of losses suffered by affected individuals,” Dara added.

He further criticized the unchecked power of government officials, insisting that actions impacting communities must be carried out with accountability and due process.

“As a lawyer, Nyesom Wike should understand the implications of such decisions. We demand that those who violate the rule of law be held accountable,” he stressed.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice and urged the FCT administration to adopt a collaborative approach that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of citizens.

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As bulldozers roar through Allen Avenue, Opebi, Ogba, and Itire-Ijesha, they leave behind broken dreams, shattered investments, and unanswered questions. The state government insists that these demolitions are necessary to create setbacks for road expansion and improve mobility, but for many affected residents, the losses are too painful to bear.

The most recent wave of destruction has particularly hit Allen Avenue and Opebi, where both old and new structures deemed “too close to the road” have been reduced to debris. Buildings—big and small—have not been spared. Along the stretch from Ogba to Cele underbridge, shop owners and homeowners alike have watched helplessly as their properties are razed, with many still struggling to come to terms with their new reality. Some, in a bid to move forward, have begun rebuilding “where the law permits.” Others, however, are demanding answers from the government, particularly about the timing of the demolition exercise.

For one business owner who lost his shop, the pain is still raw. “Why would you choose to demolish houses and shops at this time of the year?” he asks angrily. “Of all the days in the year, the government picked the festive season when businesses are supposed to recover losses and make profits. How does that make sense?” He recalled that residents were informed just two weeks prior that their properties would be affected by the planned road reconstruction. Though he acknowledged the need for development, he strongly disagreed with the approach. “We are asked to invest in Nigeria, but then they turn around and destroy our investments. How do people in the diaspora trust a government that makes doing business so difficult?” he lamented.

The state government, through its Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, has hinted that affected property owners may receive compensation. However, skepticism remains high. Many recall similar promises in the past that never materialized. Osiyemi recently visited the area, inspecting demolished structures and assessing potential compensation claims, stating that the road project would ultimately enhance traffic flow and improve connectivity.

Demolition has become a frequent and painful reality in major Nigerian cities, particularly Lagos and Abuja, where housing shortages and homeownership challenges are already severe. Professor Timothy Nubi, Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development at the University of Lagos, describes the trend as deeply troubling. “Despite the economic hardship faced by citizens, we have seen more bulldozers than cranes in recent years,” he noted. He further revealed that between 2022 and 2024, approximately 10,000 buildings were demolished in Abuja alone, amounting to trillions of naira in destroyed investments.

For the people of Lagos, the destruction of homes and businesses under the banner of development raises a painful question: At what cost does progress come? Many agree that infrastructure improvements are needed, but they argue that they should not come at the expense of people’s livelihoods. Without a clear plan for compensation, proper notice, and humane implementation, these demolitions will continue to leave lasting scars on communities, both physically and emotionally.

The post Tears and Rubble: Lagos Demolitions Leave Residents in Shock appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Senate has resolved to investigate the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory and has set up an investigative committee to investigate the matter.

The resolution was made after a motion was moved during Thursday’s plenary by Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing FCT Senatorial District, who called the attention of the Senate to the matter.

She also expressed concern over the alleged illegal demolition of structures in the nation’s capital and called for an immediate stop to further demolitions, including estates already marked.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) seconded the motion, saying the exercise should be stopped pending the outcome of the Senate investigation into the matter.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godwswill Akpabio, said the Senate cannot outrightly prevent the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, from demolishing structures in the nation’s capital.

Akpabio, however, explained that all demolitions could not be stopped because the courts ordered some.

He said, “The minister would continue with the demolition of structures ordered by the courts in order not to be culpable of disobeying court orders.”

The Senate resolved to set up an investigative committee to look into the demolitions and report back to it within a specified timeframe.

The Red Chamber also asked the committee to invite Wike to appear before it to explain the reasons behind the demolitions, which have left many residents without homes.

It also resolved that all structures marked for demolition in the FCT, not ordered by the courts, should not be tampered with until its committee interfaces with the FCT minister and reports back to the committee of the whole for further actions.

housingtv reports that Wike has been criticised for embarking on widespread demolition of houses in Abuja.

A construction company, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, had recently raised the alarm over a demolition notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority to demolish its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.

The General Manager of the Estate, Vincent Enoghase, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, claimed that the FCDA had demanded N10 million for a Right of Occupancy, which it had paid but was yet to receive before the issuance of the quit notice.

Source- punchng

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The department’s director, Abdulrahman Mohammed, disclosed this on Sunday, noting that two other individuals are receiving medical care at the Federal Medical Centre.

According to Mohammed, over 500 iron scavengers stormed the demolished building site to collect iron rods, which led to the collapse of the remaining structure, trapping several individuals. “The scavengers invaded the site in a bid to get iron rods when the remaining part of the demolished structure caved in. Nobody was living in the building as some reports claimed,” he clarified.

Mohammed also refuted media reports suggesting that a multi-story building had collapsed, trapping over 40 people. He explained that the building was one of several unauthorized structures demolished by the FCT Department of Development Control last Thursday.

Despite the tragic incident, scavengers continued to search for iron rods in the rubble of other demolished buildings. Mohammed expressed frustration over their persistence, stating, “Some of them are still scavenging iron rods despite being told to leave. We will ensure they vacate the site, and on Monday, Development Control will complete the demolition of any remaining structures.”

A police officer on the scene corroborated Mohammed’s account, dismissing claims of a multi-storey collapse as inaccurate. Local witness Aliyu Musa noted that the scavengers were repeatedly warned not to enter the building, but some ignored the warnings. “I know one of the deceased. We warned him, but he did not listen,” he said.

The FCT Emergency Management Department has completed its rescue operations at the site.

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The protesters, equipped with placards, banners, and loudspeakers, arrived at the Secretariat gate as early as 7 a.m. The Nation reports that, despite heavy rains on Wednesday, the demonstrators refused to disperse, demanding an audience with Governor Seyi Makinde.

Although the governor was attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan on Wednesday, the protesters continued to reject the 500-meter corridor prescribed by the government, which they claim affects their homes and livelihoods.

On Thursday, the protest intensified as demonstrators demanded the cancellation of the corridor. The situation led to the partial closure of the main entrance gate to the Secretariat, with only one side open for human and vehicular movement.

READ ALSO: Bauchi Authorities Defend Demolitions, Pledge Support for Displaced Traders

Despite their frustrations, the protesters managed the traffic flow around the Secretariat and coordinated vehicular movement in the area. The demonstrators expressed their desire to speak directly with Governor Makinde, noting that he was accessible to them during his campaign and should listen to their concerns now.

Placards bore messages such as: “Stop 500 meters ICR Corridor to Save Lives in Ile-Ola Community”, “500 Meters Ibadan Circular Road Corridor Will Render Us Homeless”, and “Governor Seyi Makinde, Please Save Over 1,500 Families in Eni-Osa”.

READ ALSO: Bauchi Authorities Defend Demolitions, Pledge Support for Displaced Traders

As of the time of this report, protest leaders were meeting with CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), Executive Assistant to Governor Makinde on Security. Further details on other government representatives present at the meeting were unavailable.

The post Ibadan Residents Decry Mass Demolitions for Circular Road Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The demolition, which has sparked backlash from business and shop owners who accuse Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration of destroying their livelihoods, is aimed at restoring the state’s master plan, compromised by previous administrations.

During a media chat at the council chambers of the Government House yesterday, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kawule, clarified the government’s intentions. “The demolitions aim to restore and maintain the state’s master plan. Many of these illegal containers are in high-traffic areas, causing accidents and occupying green spaces meant for public safety and beautification,” Kawule explained.

READ ALSO: Protest in Ibadan Over Demolitions for Road Construction

Kawule emphasized that the initiative is not about destroying businesses but about creating a safer and more conducive environment for trading. “The decision to undertake these projects is not about destroying businesses or displacing people. It’s about creating a conducive environment where traders can operate without hindrance.”

Commissioner for Land and Survey, Maryam Katagum, also spoke during the media chat, outlining relocation plans for those affected by the demolitions. She identified the affected areas, including Adamu Jumba, Bauchi Club, GRA, Wunti Market, Murtala Mohammed Way, and Ahmadu Bello Way. Katagum assured that the government has designated new land for traders, particularly along major roads connecting to other states, to create business clusters.

Katagum dispelled rumors that Governor Bala Mohammed intended to drive people out of the state. “We are committed to relocating traders to new, designated areas to ensure their businesses can continue to thrive in a safer and more organized environment.”

READ ALSO: Oba Elegushi’s Lawyer Calls Out Lagos State Over Property Demolition

Commissioner for Internal Security and Domestic Affairs, Barr Abdulhamid Bununu, highlighted the security benefits of the demolitions. He noted that many of the illegal structures had become havens for criminals, drug dealers, and kidnappers, and their removal is crucial for improving public safety.

In summary, the Bauchi State Government reassures residents and business owners that the ongoing demolitions are necessary for urban planning and public safety, with plans in place to support those affected.

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