The Lagos State Government has demolished at least 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the popular Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, in a controversial exercise that has left traders devastated.

The demolition, which took place on Thursday, September 25, was part of the state’s ongoing clampdown on illegal developments, defective structures, and buildings constructed without statutory approvals or on restricted areas such as road setbacks and drainages.

The large-scale operation was jointly carried out by several state agencies, including the Office of the Lagos State Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and the Office of Infrastructure, with the support of armed security operatives and members of the Lagos House of Assembly.

However, the exercise has triggered widespread outrage among affected business owners and residents. A distraught trader, speaking to reporters, lamented the scale of losses.

“If government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza, and each is valued at more than ₦150 million,” the trader said angrily.

The estimated value of the demolished properties runs into several billions of naira, with many traders claiming the action has ruined livelihoods and thrown families into uncertainty.

The demolition comes amid growing public debate on the accountability of government agencies responsible for granting building approvals. Critics argue that punishing developers without holding approving officers accountable amounts to selective justice.

The Lagos State Government has yet to issue a detailed response to the traders’ grievances, but officials insist the demolition is part of a wider effort to sanitize the state’s urban space and prevent further building collapses.