Tension gripped the New Mandela Plaza inside the popular Trade Fair Complex in Lagos on Thursday as the Lagos State Government demolished no fewer than 19 buildings, sparking outrage among traders and property owners.
The demolition, which was supervised under heavy security, saw armed personnel from the Lagos Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical units stationed around the complex, restricting access and dispersing those who attempted to record the exercise.
Eyewitnesses said bulldozers moved in at dawn, pulling down several structures valued at hundreds of millions of Naira. Traders lamented that goods still locked in some shops were destroyed in the process.
One visibly distressed trader told Radio Nigeria, “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down asking questions.” Another trader insisted the affected buildings had been lawfully approved, stressing that no prior notice was served before the action.
Chief Magnus Ike, Chief Executive Officer of Magnus Merchandise, whose multi-billion-Naira property was reduced to rubble, said:
“Honestly, I have not been served any notice from the Lagos State Government whatsoever. This building was inspected, even the Ministry of Environment has been here. The proper thing is to notify us. You don’t just let people borrow bank money, take loans, and then crush their investment overnight.”
His younger brother, Mr. Magnus Ikenna, accused the government of shifting rules without warning:
“Even as of Wednesday, there was no sign of demolition. This morning, they just moved in with bulldozers and tear-gassed everybody. Since 2000, we’ve always dealt with the federal government here. How can the rules suddenly change overnight?”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government defended its action, describing the targeted buildings as “illegal developments, defective structures, and constructions without statutory approvals.”
Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, explained that the operation became necessary to clear structures built on road setbacks, drainages, and areas considered unsafe.
He said: “The Lagos State Government can no longer fold its arms while unapproved developments block critical infrastructure and endanger lives.”
The exercise, carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and other relevant agencies, has since been suspended following a meeting with market leaders.
Both parties are expected to reconvene next Tuesday to resolve the matter.