The Lagos State Government has initiated a robust enforcement campaign to crack down on the illegal construction of extensions and attachments on shops and buildings in select markets.
This effort is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, reaffirmed this stance during a recent multi-agency enforcement and removal exercise conducted to dismantle extensions and attachments on shops and plazas within the Lagos Island Central Business District.
The removal exercise follows recommendations from the Dosunmu Fire Incident Committee, chaired by Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations. Oki emphasized that the objective of the exercise is to enhance safety and orderliness in markets and streets in the area.
He highlighted that the extensions attached to shops and buildings in the area are not only a nuisance but also pose obstacles to rescue operations during emergencies. Oki referenced incidents like the fire outbreaks at Mandilas Building and Dosumu Market, where first responders, including the state fire and rescue services, faced difficulties accessing the affected buildings due to blocked roads caused by traders’ extensions and attachments.
Warning owners of shops and business premises with extensions and attachments to remove them immediately, Oki said that “the removal exercise is continuous and will be extended to other parts of the state.”
He added that, “Lagos State Government will no longer tolerate the level of lawlessness going on in commercial areas, especially Lagos Island where every available space is being converted to shops with attachments extending onto the roads and streets.”
Oki expressed disapproval of the practice of installing diesel and petrol generators on rooftops, penthouses, and iron staircases of shops and plazas within commercial centers.
He directed that such generators should be removed immediately.
The multi-agency exercise involved the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Central Business Districts, and Lagos State Environmental Services, among others.
The exercise witnessed the removal of attachments and extensions on shops located around Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Dosunmu, Ereko, Eyin Eyo, Martins, Balogun, and adjoining streets.
