Raphael Johnson
In what it attributed to security and planning concerns, the Lagos State Government, on Saturday, began demolishing illegal structures in Ikeja GRA, including shanties and unapproved buildings.
The exercise, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, targeted areas violating building regulations.
The team moved through streets like Michael Otedola, Sowemimo, Remi Fani-Kayode, and Ajisafe, pulling down unauthorised stalls and altered buildings.
Speaking with reporters, Oki said that some property owners had valid approvals but violated terms by converting structures, such as turning four flats into eight, thereby straining infrastructure and distorting the urban plan.
There have been complaints from the residents of Ikeja GRA about abnormalities in the construction process.“We began enforcement from 9.00 a.m. today and visited many construction sites. Most of them actually have valid approvals, and even the buildings assumed not to conform to, in fact, meet the required standards.
“Some people get approval for four flats but turn them into eight, or they have approval to build a duplex but they convert it. This puts a heavy burden on public infrastructure. We can’t let Ikeja GRA become like Ajegunle,” he said.
The LASBCA Permanent Secretary noted that the agency had earlier issued letters to all property owners in Ikeja GRA, requesting the submission of building approvals for verification.
He explained, “The enforcement exercise followed adequate notice and engagement with stakeholders, and is aimed at removing shanties, makeshift stalls, and unauthorised structures linked to illegal activities in order to restore safety, order, and proper urban planning.
”He noted that buildings found to be in violation of planning regulations were marked for corrective action, and if owners failed to comply, such structures would be demolished.
According to the LASBCA Permanent Secretary, the spread of illegal structures had worsened security concerns and hampered effective surveillance by both private security teams and the police.Oki had in April warned property owners and developers across Lagos State to ensure adherence to building regulations to avoid facing similar enforcement actions in other areas of the state.
“Unfortunately, some residents have refused to comply, and the agency has no option but to enforce actions to reclaim public spaces and prevent building collapses.
“The enforcement drive is expected to continue in other parts of the state, as the government intensifies efforts to sanitise the built environment to rid the metropolis of unapproved structures, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure the safety of its residents, “Oki added.
