Lagos vows to demolish illegal structures

The Lagos State Government on Saturday said it would intensify efforts to rid the State of illegal structures.
It also said owners of the buildings demolished in Ikoyi were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the Government said it had noted with dismay, the flagrant disobedience of Building Regulations, and has therefore resolved to ensure removal of all structures that are in contravention of the law.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent demolition of some illegal structures in Ikoyi, Ayorinde reiterated Government’s determination to rid the State of Illegal developments saying “In our effort to maintain a sustainable, organized, liveable and friendly environment, the Government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.
 

He also warned that all those who choose to erect illegal structures in violation of our laws in order to take advantage of third parties will not only have those structures removed but will also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. According to the Commissioner, the buildings in question were situated in an area originally designated as residential area, but the developers unilaterally and without recourse to the State Government commenced development of industrial and commercial concerns in these locations thereby distorting the master plan of the area; causing environmental nuisance, traffic snarls and more importantly a security threat to the neighbourhood.
On the allegation that the buildings were not duly served with necessary contravention, stop work and removal notices, the Commissioner said that the State Government will not succumb to blackmail in any form.
“We have documentary evidence of service of all statutory notices, the buildings were also marked with the X red oxide to also call the attention of the owners to physical planning contraventions.”