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Economy

Lagos State Government Demolishes Illegal Structures, Makeshift Shanties In Ikeja GRA

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AMMC Under FCTA Orders Demolition

Lagos State Government Demolishes Illegal Structures, Makeshift Shanties In Ikeja GRA

Lagos state government demolishes illegal structures, makeshift shanties in Ikeja GRA. Mr Oki said that the illegal structures and shanties had become a threat to security.

The Lagos State government, on Saturday, began the demolition of illegal structures, including makeshift shanties, in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA).

The permanent secretary of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, led the team that demolished the structures.

Mr Oki said that the illegal structures and shanties had become a threat to security and infrastructure in the neighbourhood.

The team moved through major streets such as Michael Otedola, Sowemimo, Remi Fani-Kayode and Ajisafe, identifying and pulling down makeshift stalls, wooden shacks and other unauthorised buildings.

Residents, many of whom had raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the once serene neighbourhood, watched with relief as the agency cleared out what it described as “security black spots” where stolen goods were allegedly being sold.

Mr Oki said: `’There have been complaints from the residents of Ikeja GRA about abnormalities in the construction process.
“We began enforcement from 9.00 a.m. today and visited many construction sites.

“Most of them actually have valid approvals, and even the buildings assumed not to conform, do, in fact, meet the required standards.”

Mr Oki said that the real concern was not approval of buildings, but the rise of illegal conversions and unapproved structures that distorted the planning integrity of the area.

“Some people get approval for four flats but turn them into eight, or they have approval to build a duplex but they convert it.

“This puts a heavy burden on public infrastructure. We can’t let Ikeja GRA become like Ajegunle,” he said.

The permanent secretary noted that letters had been sent to all property owners in the area months earlier, asking them to submit their building approvals for verification.

According to him, the enforcement drive was not a sudden move but a necessary intervention after extensive notice and engagement.

Mr Oki said: “We are dealing with shanties, bowlers and people selling stolen goods. This is not a witch hunt. It is about safety, planning and the rule of law.’’

He warned that buildings found not to conform would be marked, and if corrective measures wouldn’t be taken, the buildings would be demolished.

A resident of Ikeja GRA and community leader, Tunde Disu, expressed gratitude to the government for what he called a “timely intervention.”

Mr Disu said: “This action has been long overdue.
“The state government has tried with road upgrades, but if residents keep altering their building plans, it becomes unmanageable.”

He highlighted the security implications of leaving  illegal structures unattended to, noting that the area had recorded an increase in suspicious activities and reduced visibility for security patrols at night.

AMMC Under FCTA Orders Demolition

Lagos State Government Demolishes Illegal Structures

“Our private security team and the police are on constant patrol, but we need the environment to support their work. Clearing these shanties is a big win,” he said.

Mr Disu also said that efforts would be made to track owners of the demolished structures and hold them accountable.

“Some of these properties are in dispute, but we will follow up and ensure  that the right things are done,” he said.

He added that the residents’ association would collaborate with agencies such as Lagos State Waste Management Authority for cleanup operations.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

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