The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the recent demolition of buildings in FESTAC Town, declaring that the operation was neither authorised nor executed by any state agency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the government described reports linking it to the exercise as “misleading.”
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, reaffirmed that the state government had no role in the demolition, stressing that Lagos follows a clearly defined process for any removal of structures.
“Contrary to speculation, the Lagos State Government had no hand in the demolitions carried out in FESTAC Town,” Olumide said. “Our procedures are transparent and guided by due process. Any demolition not preceded by statutory notices and engagement with affected stakeholders cannot be attributed to us.”
He further emphasised that the state remains committed to fairness and the protection of citizens’ property rights, warning that any exercise carried out without government approval does not represent the policies or practices of the current administration.
Olumide also cautioned agencies, including federal authorities operating within Lagos, to obtain necessary clearance from the Ministry before embarking on any demolition activity.
The clarification followed reports of multiple demolitions over the weekend, during which more than 15 buildings along 6th Avenue, FESTAC Town, were razed—leaving affected traders and residents in shock as bulldozers pulled down structures one after another.