The Lagos State Government has declared that the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo must comply with all state physical planning laws and obtain the necessary approvals before any development takes place within the premises.
According to a statement issued on Friday, September 26, 2025, by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the government reaffirmed that its enforcement of physical planning regulations extends to the complex despite its location on Federal Government land.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the state’s position is legally backed by the Supreme Court judgment of 2003 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended), which empower the state to regulate and enforce physical planning laws across its jurisdiction.
Olumide emphasized that being situated on federal land does not exempt developers or occupants within the Trade Fair Complex from obtaining the required planning permits from the Lagos State Government or adhering to its laws.
“We have acted decisively to halt further development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the complex. A livable, organized, orderly, and sustainable built environment is crucial to achieving our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda,” the Commissioner stated.
He further noted that the Trade Fair Complex has a history of non-compliance with building regulations and has repeatedly failed to cooperate with government efforts to bring the area into voluntary compliance.
He recalled that in November 2023, the state requested all building constructions within the complex to be regularized with the ministry, but the directive was ignored.
The enforcement exercise, according to the Ministry, is part of Lagos State’s regular efforts to ensure safety, livability, and well-being across the state, not limited to the Trade Fair Complex alone.
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