Lagos plans demolition of illegal buildings on Banana Island

• Published On: 17 February 2025 at 20:13

The Lagos State Government has commenced a campaign against illegal constructions in Banana Island, starting today, Monday, February 17, 2025.

This measure addresses structures that contravene building regulations, present safety risks, or intrude upon prohibited zones.

Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, announced this at a recent stakeholders' meeting on Banana Island.

Oki announced that structures in violation of regulations, including those situated beneath high-tension power lines and within restricted shoreline zones, will be designated for demolition.

“From Monday to Friday next week, officials will arrive to assess the buildings.” In the subsequent week, we will allocate two weeks for you to prepare your documents. Subsequently, he stated, "I will dismantle everything."

He emphasised that the decision demonstrates the government's dedication to upholding urban planning regulations and ensuring public safety.

Oki stated that LASBCA has previously dismantled illegal structures located beneath high-tension power lines in regions including Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri.

Dr. Babatunde Olajide, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, reiterated the Lagos State Government's authority over land issues as stipulated by the Land Use Act.

Olajide asserted that illicit land reclamation and sand-filling had impeded the planned development of Banana Island, necessitating government intervention.

“Although regulations stipulate a 150-meter setback from the shoreline, the government has diminished this requirement to 100 meters as a concession.” Nevertheless, certain developers continue to neglect compliance. Residents must collaborate, as the aim is to re-establish order and guarantee safety, rather than to indiscriminately target property owners,” he stated.

A committee has been established to investigate allegations of unlawful extensions, chaired by Olalekan Sodeinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development.

Sodeinde emphasised that unregulated construction had led to environmental degradation on Banana Island, previously a prime real estate location, and assured that decisive measures would be implemented to restore its integrity.

Abidemi Sonaike, chairman of the Banana Island Association, commended the government's initiatives, underscoring the significance of meticulous planning and adherence to safety regulations.

“With enforcement forthcoming, property owners have been advised to regularise their approvals or confront demolition,” he stated.