The Lagos State government, yesterday, said it would demolish extensions at Oshodi McCarthy market by July 30, 2024.
General Manager of the State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, disclosed this while sensitising property/shop owners and market leaders on the removal of illegal structures and extensions built on road setbacks around Oshodi-Isolo Local Development Area.
He said: “We all want change, which is the simplest thing to do but very difficult to achieve because nobody wants that change. We must have that change at all costs. Imagine any fire accident at this point. A delay of five minutes can cost millions of naira in damages. All these extensions are walkways which are not supposed to be. Imagine people selling on the road. It’s not necessary.”
Oki said citizens must comply with rules and regulations. He encouraged residents and market owners who don’t have building plan approvals to seize the amnesty the governor had given to apply.
He said: “Go to the Lagos State planning permit and apply for your approval without any penalty and make sure things are done. Why we are here is to enforce, and we are going to enforce to the last dot. The directive of the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is very clear; no attachment, nothing to disrupt the flow of movement, which is very important. We stand on that.”
Speaking, chairman, Oshodi-Isolo Local Council, Kehinde Oloyede, stressed the need for accessibility in every market. He noted that the council would partner with LASBCA to ensure the removal of extensions.
“They have given us grace which we all appreciate. After Sallah sales, by July ending, they will come. But before then, the council will see to it that most of these things are removed. But for those that fail to do so, then Lagos State can take charge and do whatever they want to do.”
