The Lagos State Government has initiated the demolition of illegal structures throughout the state, following the conclusion of an extended amnesty period granted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This decisive action, spearheaded by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), underscores the government's unwavering commitment to enforcing building regulations, ensuring public safety, and maintaining the integrity of the state's urban planning.

LASBCA officially announced the commencement of these demolitions on Monday, March 31, 2025, marking the end of the grace period that had been in effect. Governor Sanwo-Olu has repeatedly emphasized that the safety and well-being of Lagos residents are paramount, and any structure found to compromise these aspects will be subject to removal. Initial demolition activities have already begun in the Ogudu GRA area of Lagos State.

In the preceding year, the Lagos State Government provided a 90-day amnesty period, which ran until December 31, 2024. This initiative was designed to allow landlords and property developers the opportunity to rectify any discrepancies in their documentation and ensure their properties aligned with the established Lagos State masterplan. Gbolahan Oki, the Permanent Secretary of LASBCA, affirmed that this endeavor aims to eliminate non-compliant buildings, thereby restoring order to the physical landscape of Lagos and safeguarding the lives of its inhabitants. He also noted that the amnesty period afforded property owners ample time to adhere to building regulations and secure the necessary approvals.

Despite numerous notices and reminders, a number of property owners failed to comply, leaving the agency with no recourse but to forcefully reclaim public spaces to prevent potential building collapses. The initial 90-day amnesty period, which began on May 2 and concluded on July 30, 2024, was subsequently extended to the end of October 2024. This extension was intended to accommodate the high volume of applications received and provide more individuals with the opportunity to benefit from the initiative. Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, announced a further extension to allow even more people to comply with regulations.

LASBCA has reiterated its firm resolve to remove illegal, unapproved, and unsafe structures across Lagos State to ensure safety, aligning with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s developmental agenda. Oki emphasized that this undertaking was preceded by extensive consultations, months of notices and reminders, clearly defined compliance requirements, and repeated warnings. Given these efforts, the move cannot be considered hasty.

In a related development, the Lagos State Government has also announced plans to mark illegal structures on Banana Island for demolition. These structures are those that do not comply with government rules and regulations, and owners will be given a two-week grace period before the demolitions commence. This comprehensive effort underscores the Lagos State Government's commitment to maintaining order, safety, and regulatory compliance within its urban environment.