Economy

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

Published

7 months ago

May 10, 2025

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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.

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.

Related Topics:Demolition economy Ikeja Lagos security

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Economy

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

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Terrorists Alternative Government Under Tinubu

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.

He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.

“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party

Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.

He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

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Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials

As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.

The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.

He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.

Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.

“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.

“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.

“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.

The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.

“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.

“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

Ibom Deep SeaPort

On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.

Crime

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

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EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.

Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”