Lagos marks shanties, illegal structures for removal

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has marked make-shift structures, shanties, and illegally developed buildings in Otu-Mara in the Mainland Local Government Area of the state for removal.

In a statement, the agency said the action aligned with its commitment to urban regeneration, sustainable development, and mitigation of environmental and security nuisance.

According to the LASBCA General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, due process was followed before the shanties and other illegally developed structures were marked for removal.

He also revealed that necessary and statutory notices ranging from convention and quit notices were served to all the affected occupants.

Oki lamented that the illegal structures were becoming hideouts for miscreants who used them for illicit activities that endanger the security of the entire area and its surrounding communities.

The general manager pointed out that most of those illegal structures were distressed and posed a risk to lives if prompt action was not taken.

Reaffirming the government’s dedication to public safety, he added, “The present administration will leave no stone unturned in safeguarding the lives and properties of Lagosians and LASBCA remains committed to rigorous monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure strict compliance with the State’s Building Codes and Regulations by property owners and developers.

LABSCA boss urged all the affected occupants to comply with the order to remove them within the stipulated time given by the state government through LASBCA.

Oki warned that non-compliance would lead to the enforcement of the laws on building regulations.

He urged building owners and developers in the state to shun illegality during building construction as the state government is all out to bring sanity back to the built environment by enforcing compliance.