By Mary Onyia
The Lagos State Government has ordered the suspension of further demolitions at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, pending a scheduled meeting with market leaders on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
This comes just days after bulldozers moved into the complex on Thursday, September 25, and demolished at least 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza, structures reportedly worth several billion naira.
The demolition, done with heavy security, had Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other teams around the plaza. In just hours, the buildings were knocked down, leaving upset owners and traders protesting strongly. Security officers on the spot stopped people from going in and told anyone filming to leave.
Many shop owners said they were not told in advance, calling the demolition “harsh” and “harmful.” People watching also said the timing and size of the action badly hurt their businesses and way of life.
Defending the government’s stance, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, explained in a post on X that the operation was part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal developments. According to him, the targeted structures lacked statutory approvals, were defective, or had been erected on road setbacks and drainage channels.
“The Lagos State Government can no longer fold its arms while unapproved developments block critical infrastructure and endanger lives,” Gawat stated.
The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting with the leadership of the market, which will focus on discussing grievances and finding a resolution, is expected to determine the next steps on the contentious exercise.