Lagos govt to mark illegal buildings on Banana Island for demolition 

The move targets violations of building regulations, safety risks, and unauthorized encroachments.

Mr. Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting on Banana Island on Thursday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He stated that structures found violating building codes, including those under high-tension power lines and within restricted shoreline areas, would be identified and subsequently demolished.

Officials will mark affected buildings from Monday to Friday next week, after which owners will have two weeks to present documents. Violating structures will then be removed.

“From Monday to Friday next week, officials will come and mark the buildings. The following week, we will give you two weeks to get your documents ready. After that, I am going to pull everything down,” Oki declared.

He emphasized that the decision followed the government’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws and ensuring public safety.  According to Oki, LASBCA has carried out similar actions in other parts of the state, including Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri, where illegal buildings under high-tension lines were removed.

The NAN report highlighted that Dr. Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s authority over land matters under the Land Use Act.

Abidemi Sonaike, Chairman of the Banana Island Association, welcomed the government’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of proper planning and safety compliance. With enforcement imminent, property owners have been urged to regularize their approvals or face demolition.