The Lagos State Government has given a two-week ultimatum to developers and occupants of structures within the Trade Fair Complex to regularise the approval status of their buildings in line with regulations.

The ultimatum was issued in a circular dated Thursday, October 9, 2025, and signed by the Lagos State Commissioner
of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide.

Olumide said land ownership and title are not in contention at the Trade Fair Complex, hence the need for all developers and occupants of structures to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The commissioner added that the ongoing enforcement focuses solely on the approval status of physical developments, as every structure in Lagos State must obtain a valid planning permit from the ministry in accordance with the law.

Speaking further, Olumide said the Lagos State Government reiterates its zero tolerance for illegal and unapproved developments within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, pending full compliance with planning regulations and the attainment of a safe, orderly, and sustainable physical environment.

He lamented that over time, the Trade Fair Complex has degenerated into an enclave of haphazard and unsafe structures, posing grave risks to public safety and emergency response.

“In line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 — “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” — and the State’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, the Lagos State Government is acting strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate, as derived from the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992, as domesticated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, and reinforced by the Supreme Court Judgment of 2003 (Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation),” the statement read.

“These legal instruments empower states to regulate physical development within their territories, including federal lands, except for areas under exclusive federal use such as military formations.

“For clarity, land ownership and title are not in contention at the Trade Fair Complex. The ongoing enforcement focuses solely on the approval status of physical developments, as every structure in Lagos State must obtain a valid planning permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in accordance with the law.”

The Lagos State Government has also called on all residents and stakeholders to cooperate with its ongoing efforts to ensure a safe, well-planned, and sustainable Lagos for all.