LAGOS GOVT REAFFIRMS JURISDICTION OVER PHYSICAL PLANNING LAWS IN TRADE FAIR COMPLEX

September 26, 2025

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Lagos State Government has restated its authority to enforce physical planning laws within its jurisdiction, including the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the State’s mandate was supported by a 2003 Supreme Court judgment and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended), which empower Lagos to regulate and enforce physical planning laws.

Olumide explained that the location of the Trade Fair Complex on Federal Government land did not exempt developers from securing necessary planning permits or complying with Lagos physical planning regulations.

“We have acted decisively to halt further development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the complex. A livable, organised, orderly, and sustainable built environment is crucial to achieving our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that the complex had a history of non-compliance with building regulations, despite repeated warnings. He recalled that in November 2023, the Ministry requested that all ongoing constructions in the area be regularised, but developers failed to comply.

He stressed that the enforcement action at the Trade Fair Complex was part of the government’s broader efforts to promote safety, livability, and well-being across the state.