The Lagos State Government has announced its plan to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island, starting Monday, February 17, 2025.
The initiative aims to address violations of building regulations, eliminate safety risks, and prevent unauthorized land encroachments in the upscale neighborhood.
Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), disclosed the plan during a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, emphasizing that the move aligns with the state’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws. Structures violating regulations, such as those built under high-tension power lines or within restricted shoreline areas, will be identified and removed.
From Monday to Friday, government officials will mark affected buildings, after which property owners will have two weeks to present valid documentation. Any structure failing to meet regulatory standards will be demolished.
Oki reiterated that similar enforcement efforts had taken place in other parts of the state, including Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri, where illegal buildings were removed for violating safety guidelines.
The crackdown follows concerns about unauthorized land reclamation and sand-filling disrupting the planned development of Banana Island. Dr. Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, affirmed that the Lagos State Government has full authority over land matters under the Land Use Act.
While the initial shoreline setback regulation was 150 meters, the government had previously reduced it to 100 meters as a concession. Despite this, some developers have failed to comply, prompting the latest enforcement action.
To manage complaints and ensure transparency, a special committee led by Olalekan Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, has been set up. He noted that unregulated construction has led to environmental degradation, diminishing Banana Island’s reputation as a prime real estate hub.
The Chairman of the Banana Island Association, Abidemi Sonaike, welcomed the government’s efforts, stressing the importance of proper planning and safety compliance. With enforcement set to begin, property owners have been advised to regularize their building approvals or risk demolition.
