Lagos Government Orders Demolition Of Market
The Lagos State Government has directed the demolition and removal of the Article Shopping Complex in Satellite Town over safety concerns.
It also gave traders and property owners in Agric and Coker markets in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government a 14-day deadline to conduct structural integrity checks on buildings showing signs of damage.
The action followed inspections carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency at the Article Shopping Complex in Oriade Local Council Development Area and at Agric and Coker markets in Odun-Ade area.
Officials observed that many commercial buildings in these locations were already in poor condition and not fit for continued use.
During the inspection exercise, the agency noted that the government would not allow unsafe buildings to remain in use, especially as part of ongoing efforts to reduce cases of building failure in the state.
Occupants of the Article Shopping Complex are expected to vacate the premises before demolition begins, while an office structure under construction within the weakened complex was already pulled down during the operation.
The complex had earlier been marked for demolition and is close to a three-storey building that recently collapsed, an incident that led to the loss of nine lives.
Officials also reported that most of the buildings assessed across the affected markets showed different levels of structural damage.
At Agric Market, inspectors checked several three-storey blocks used by traders dealing in building materials.
Many of the structures were still in use despite earlier warnings issued months ago. Similar findings were recorded at Coker Market, where damaged buildings continued to host business activities.
The agency said owners of affected buildings must present the results of integrity tests within the 14-day window before further action will be taken.
It also warned that anyone who ignores safety directives on distressed structures will face legal consequences.
The enforcement is part of renewed efforts by the Lagos State Government to address recurring cases of building collapse across the state.
