Sanwo-Olu Orders Mass Demolition of Illegal Structures on Lagos Expressway Medians

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has read the riot act to illegal occupants of expressway medians, road setbacks, and other public spaces across the state, directing the immediate demolition of unauthorised structures encroaching on public infrastructure.

The governor issued the directive in response to growing concerns over the illegal occupation of medians, walkways, and road setbacks by traders, hawkers, mechanics, and other unauthorised users, a development that has been linked to traffic congestion, security risks, and the deterioration of public infrastructure across the state.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that the indiscriminate use of road medians and public spaces had not only worsened traffic flow on major expressways but had also compromised the aesthetics and orderliness of the state's urban environment.

The governor directed the relevant agencies of the state government, including the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), and the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, to commence immediate enforcement and demolition operations across the affected areas.

He warned that the state government would no longer tolerate any form of illegal occupation of road medians, setbacks, drainage channels, walkways, or any other public space, stressing that the safety, mobility, and welfare of Lagosians remain paramount.

Sanwo-Olu noted that previous warnings and enforcement actions by the state government had been largely ignored by illegal occupants, necessitating the latest decisive directive to restore order and uphold the integrity of the state's master plan.

The governor reiterated his administration's commitment to enforcing physical planning laws, environmental regulations, and urban renewal policies aimed at transforming Lagos into a 21st-century mega-city that is clean, safe, organised, and investor-friendly.

He further called on Lagos residents, business owners, and community leaders to support the enforcement exercise by avoiding the use of public spaces for unauthorised activities and reporting violators to the appropriate authorities.

The governor emphasised that the state government remained open to dialogue with affected groups, including artisans, traders, and other informal sector operators, to facilitate their relocation to designated markets, parks, and trade clusters in line with the state's economic empowerment programmes.

Sanwo-Olu, however, warned that no group or individual would be allowed to take the law into their own hands or undermine the state's effort to ensure orderly urban development.

He directed law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and other security operatives, to support the enforcement teams during the planned demolition exercise to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The governor's directive comes amid renewed efforts by the state government to tackle traffic congestion, improve road safety, enhance environmental sanitation, and restore the state's reputation as one of Africa's most vibrant and well-organised cities.

The planned mass demolition exercise is expected to commence in the coming days, with enforcement teams targeting major expressways and high-traffic areas across the state, including identified hotspots known for illegal occupation and indiscriminate use of public spaces.

The development is expected to spark significant reactions from affected groups and the general public, even as the state government insists that the enforcement is in the overall interest of residents and the long-term development of Lagos.