The Lagos State Government has reiterated its authority to enforce physical planning regulations across all areas within its jurisdiction, including the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, emphasized that the State’s enforcement activities are grounded in both legal and judicial backing. Citing the Supreme Court judgment of 2003 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019 (as amended), Dr. Olumide stated that Lagos State is fully empowered to regulate physical development regardless of land ownership status.
He clarified that the designation of the Trade Fair Complex as Federal Government land does not exempt developers or property owners within the area from complying with Lagos State’s physical planning requirements. “All developments, regardless of land ownership, must conform to the planning laws of the State and obtain the necessary approvals,” he noted.
The Commissioner revealed that the State Government has moved to halt further construction of unapproved and potentially unsafe structures within the Trade Fair Complex. He described the move as necessary to ensure a livable, organized, and sustainable built environment in line with the State’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.
“The government cannot afford to overlook developments that pose risks to public safety and undermine planning standards. We have acted decisively to enforce compliance,” Dr. Olumide stated.
He further disclosed that the Trade Fair Complex has a long-standing record of non-compliance with building regulations and had consistently ignored multiple calls for voluntary regularization. In particular, a formal request was issued in November 2023, urging all ongoing developments within the area to regularize their status with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. However, little cooperation has been received.
The ongoing enforcement action, according to the Commissioner, is not targeted at the Trade Fair Complex alone but is part of a broader, continuous effort by the Lagos State Government to uphold planning integrity, promote public safety, and foster an orderly urban environment throughout the State.
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