The Lagos State Government has broken its silence on the ongoing demolitions in the state, stating that the demolished buildings were not approved by any of its agencies, News About Nigeria reports.
This information was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily Programme on Wednesday.
According to Olumide, who explained that the affected structures had never been approved by any government agencies, the demolished buildings were hastily constructed during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
During this time, the activities of enforcement officers were minimal due to restrictions on movement.
The state government clarified its position in response to claims by some netizens that the recently demolished buildings in Ikota, Lekki, Alaba, Ajao Estate, Abule Ado, Ladipo Market, and other areas of the state were targeted at people from the South-eastern part of Nigeria.
Olumide, emphasizing that the state government would never order the demolition of approved buildings, challenged the owners of the demolished structures to present evidence of their building approvals.
Discrediting claims of targeting people from the South-East Geopolitical Zone, the Commissioner nullified such assertions, stating that anyone can own buildings in Lagos as long as they adhere to the laid-down rules.
He said, “Anybody can own a building in Lagos as long as you comply with the laid-down rules. It’s unfortunate that recent events may have given the impression that this concerns those from certain parts of the country.”
The Commissioner also disclosed that more illegal structures on the drainage system would be pulled down.
