Lagos gives 30-day ultimatum to owners, occupiers of illegal residential buildings

Lagos State Government has given 30-day final notice to the owners and occupiers of residential buildings illegally converted to churches, mosques, clubhouses, lounges, and bars without approval for change of use to revert to the original use of the structure.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the ultimatum in a statement.

Wahab said the notice is due to the distortion of the master plan of Lagos State by some persons who, disregarding the regulatory provisions of the law, turned residential areas into clubhouses and worship centres, to constitute a nuisance to the environment.

“The removal notice became imperative following security concerns of citizens and repeated complaints of non-adherence to safety and security guidelines issued to the club owners,” he stated.

Wahab directed owners of buildings in residential areas that have been converted to churches, mosques, clubs, bars, and lounges without government approvals to evict such occupants before the expiration of the 30-day final notice.

He said the government will not give further notice of sealing the buildings but will commence total removal of such at the cost of the owners.