The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has condemned the demolition of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, describing the action as unlawful and a violation of property and human rights.
In two statements issued by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, over the weekend, the organisation also decried rising unemployment, inflation, insecurity and other challenges facing the country as it marks its 65th independence anniversary. It called on the Federal Government to urgently address these issues.
FENRAD questioned the legality of the demolition, insisting that it violated the Land Use Act, physical planning regulations and trader rights, and posed a serious threat to Igbo traders who form the majority of the business community in the market. The group demanded an investigation into the incident and urged the National Assembly, civil society organisations and individuals to defend the constitution.
“FENRAD strongly condemns the recent demolition of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, describing the action as unlawful, economically oppressive, and a serious threat to Igbo traders who form the majority of the business community in that market,” the statement read.
The organisation expressed concern that the demolition, allegedly carried out without due process, contravened key provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, including the requirement for lawful revocation of occupancy rights, prior notice and adequate compensation for affected property owners and occupiers. It alleged that there was no proper communication, transparent process, public hearing or formal notice before the exercise.
Nwafor said the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law was ignored, with no environmental impact consultations held with stakeholders prior to the demolition. “These procedures were entirely circumvented in this incident, amounting to a gross abuse of regulatory authority,” he said.
He further alleged that “this demolition disproportionately affects traders of southeastern Nigerian origin, many of whom have built legitimate businesses over decades at the Trade Fair Complex. The action not only undermines the right to property, fair hearing, and economic participation but also sends a dangerous signal of ethno-economic targeting, which FENRAD warns could erode national cohesion and peace.”
FENRAD demanded an immediate and independent investigation into the legality of the demolition, full compensation and restitution to affected traders as provided by law, a moratorium on further demolitions pending the investigation, and public disclosure of any redevelopment plans, including environmental and social impact assessments. It also called for institutional accountability for officials and agencies involved in the exercise.
“While FENRAD acknowledges past efforts by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to improve urban infrastructure and promote inclusivity in Lagos, we strongly urge the Governor to intervene, suspend all demolition activities at the Trade Fair Complex, and ensure justice and compensation for the affected communities,” the group said. “This demolition not only violates legal norms; it destroys lives, families, and inter-ethnic trust.”
The organisation also highlighted worsening economic hardship, noting that “the cost of living is unbearable. Inflation is officially at 23.7 per cent (April 2025), but the price of food, transport, rent, and energy has gone beyond what ordinary citizens can afford. The removal of the fuel subsidy, while fiscally necessary, was implemented without sufficient cushioning for the poor. Food inflation is driven not only by macroeconomic policies but by insecurity, logistics breakdowns, and power supply failures.”
