The Lagos State Government on Saturday commenced the demolition of illegal structures and makeshift shanties in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA), citing security threats and urban planning violations.
Led by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mr. Gbolahan Oki, the enforcement team targeted unauthorized developments and shanty settlements scattered across key streets in the upscale neighborhood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team moved through major roads such as Michael Otedola, Sowemimo, Remi Fani-Kayode, and Ajisafe, dismantling wooden shacks, makeshift stalls, and unapproved buildings.
Residents, many of whom had raised concerns about the area’s declining aesthetics and security, looked on with relief as LASBCA officials cleared out what were described as “security black spots,” where stolen goods were allegedly being sold.
“There have been consistent complaints from residents about irregular construction and growing insecurity,” Oki said. “Our enforcement began at 9 a.m. and we visited several construction sites. While many buildings had valid approvals and met required standards, the proliferation of illegal conversions remains a major concern.”
According to Oki, some developers obtained approval for four flats but ended up building eight, or got approval for duplexes and later converted them to multiple rental units, straining public infrastructure.
“This distortion affects the entire planning integrity of the GRA. We cannot allow Ikeja GRA to degenerate into a slum,” he added.
He stressed that property owners had been served written notices months earlier, requesting the submission of building approvals for verification. Saturday’s exercise, he noted, followed exhaustive engagements and was not a spontaneous operation.
“This isn’t a witch-hunt,” Oki said. “We are clearing shanties, illegal constructions, and areas where stolen items are reportedly sold. It’s about ensuring safety, proper planning, and upholding the rule of law.”
He warned that any structure found to violate planning regulations would be marked for corrective action, and where non-compliance persisted, demolition would follow.
Mr. Tunde Disu, a community leader and resident of Ikeja GRA, commended the government’s efforts, calling the action a “long-overdue intervention.”
“The state has invested in upgrading our roads and general infrastructure, but all of that is undermined when residents alter building plans illegally,” Disu said. “These structures not only violate planning laws, but they also compromise our security.”
He emphasized that illegal buildings had reduced visibility for patrol teams and contributed to rising incidents of suspicious activity in the area.
“Our private security outfit and the police are doing their best, but without a conducive environment, it’s an uphill battle. This demolition exercise is a significant win,” he added.
Disu noted that efforts were underway to trace the owners of demolished properties and hold them accountable.
“Some of these structures are involved in legal disputes, but we will pursue every avenue to ensure proper redress,” he said.
He also revealed that the residents’ association would collaborate with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to ensure proper cleanup and restoration of affected areas.