Traders lament as Lagos govt demolishes 19 buildings at Trade Fair Plaza

Chaos erupted yesterday at the New Mandela Plaza inside Lagos’ popular Trade Fair Complex as the Lagos State Government moved in with bulldozers, flattening no fewer than 19 buildings under heavy security. Armed operatives from the Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical units cordoned off the plaza, restricting access while shop owners and traders watched in shock as their investments, some worth billions of naira, crumbled into rubble.

Distraught traders accused the government of acting without notice, insisting many of the buildings had federal approval. “People borrowed bank loans to build these shops, and now everything is gone overnight,” lamented Chief Magnus Ike, CEO of Magnus Merchandise, who insisted his property had been inspected and cleared by federal authorities. Several traders also alleged that goods locked inside shops were destroyed, sparking outrage and confusion over conflicting state and federal directives.

But the Lagos State Government defended its action, insisting the targeted structures were “illegal developments” built on setbacks, drainages, and without statutory approvals. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Jubril Gawat, stressed that the state could not ignore unsafe developments blocking infrastructure. Following heated protests, the government later ordered a halt to ongoing demolitions, pending further talks with market leaders scheduled for Tuesday.