In a bid to address the problem of illegal structures in Banana Island, the Lagos State government has launched a crackdown on these structures.
News About Nigeria gathered that the move is aimed at restoring order and safety to the area and ensuring that residents are protected from the dangers posed by these structures.
According to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force), the removal exercise is in line with the Urban and Regional Planning Development Law (2019). The exercise is being led by LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, and the Task Force Chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye.
The decision to demolish these illegal structures comes on the heels of the collapse of a seven-storey building in the area on April 12, which claimed several lives. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who visited the site of the incident, blamed the collapse on developers who wanted to make quick money and incompetent state officials.
Banana Island is known to be one of Nigeria’s most exclusive neighborhoods, however, it has been plagued by illegal construction and land grabbing in recent years. This government’s action is aimed at restoring order to the area and ensuring that residents are safe from the dangers posed by these structures.
While some residents have applauded the government’s efforts to curb illegal development, others have raised concerns about the impact on the affected families and businesses. The government has promised to compensate those whose properties are affected by the demolition exercise.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has also accused the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the National Inland Waterways Authority of granting an extension of the shoreline, which he says has contributed to the erosion of the area and the collapse of buildings.
The crackdown on illegal structures in Banana Island is part of the Lagos State government’s broader efforts to address the challenges of urbanization in the state. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, leading to increased pressure on land and housing. The government has pledged to address these challenges by enforcing urban planning laws and investing in infrastructure and affordable housing.
