Sanwo-Olu reiterates continuous demolition of shanties in Lagos

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his commitment to continuously demolish shanties across the state.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Monday, during the Security Stakeholders Town Hall Meeting at Ikeja.

He also added that the state government would also confiscate abandoned buildings.

Giving his reasons for the demolition, the governor said that the shanties, abandoned buildings and vehicles were hideouts for criminals.

”These shanties, by serving as hideouts for criminals, have exacerbated the insecurity situation in Lagos State.

”This clean up exercise will continue, even as we strive to ensure the creation of jobs and economic opportunities that will take people off the streets and give them the wherewithal to afford decent accommodation.

”In the context of security, is to ensure that we contain and arrest every form of aggression and crime that threatens the development, progress and growth of the state.

“And by so doing improve upon the welfare and quality of life of the citizens,” he said.

He said that the state government had commenced full implementation and enforcement of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019 as amended.


According to him, the law prohibits the abandonment of buildings, whether under construction or completed, and also prohibits construction workers from remaining within the premises of buildings under construction, from 6p.m daily.


He informed that the government would hold property developers and owners responsible for any breaches of these laws, and would not hesitate to seal off defaulting buildings, the Vanguard reports.