Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, spearheaded a demolition exercise in Ebute-Metta on Saturday, targeting distressed buildings that posed significant risks to residents. Despite prior notices, occupants had reportedly refused to vacate the structures, prompting the government to prioritize public safety over property.
Commissioner Olumide emphasized the government's commitment to protecting lives, stating, "The primary responsibility of government is to protect lives, so we cannot wait and allow the buildings to collapse and kill people." Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration, he stressed, is unwavering in its dedication to the safety of all residents, transcending tribal or religious affiliations.
The General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, echoed the necessity of the demolition, citing the danger these structures posed to neighboring buildings and lives.
Oki urged property owners to proactively address distressed buildings, cautioning that the government would take action and confiscate land in the absence of compliance. As the urban renewal project unfolds, the government encourages citizens to report distressed buildings and other planning infractions, fostering a collaborative effort in ensuring the safety and resilience of Lagos neighborhoods.
