Lagos Demolishes 19 Buildings at Trade Fair Plaza, Traders Count Billion-Naira Losses

Tension gripped the New Mandela Plaza inside Lagos’ bustling Trade Fair Complex on Thursday as the state government demolished no fewer than 19 buildings under heavy security, sparking outrage among traders and property owners.

Convoys of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical teams sealed off the area while bulldozers flattened multi-million-naira structures. Traders who attempted to film the operation were dispersed by armed officers.

By mid-morning, several buildings valued at more than ₦150 million each had been reduced to rubble. Distraught shop owners said they were never issued prior notices.

“We don’t even know the reason for the demolition,” one trader said, gesturing helplessly at the ruins.
Another fumed: “If government doesn’t want companies here, they should just say it. People have invested their life savings. Over 19 buildings have gone down.”

‘No notice, no mercy’ — owners cry foul

Chief Magnus Ike, CEO of Magnus Merchandise, whose multi-billion-naira property was torn down, insisted he had federal approval for his structure.

“Honestly, I was never served any notice by the Lagos State Government. This building was inspected. Even the Ministry of Environment has been here. You don’t let people borrow bank loans and then crush their investment overnight,” he said.

He dismissed claims that the structures sat on canals: “Look for yourself, there is no canal here. Whatever their reason, due process demands notice. None was given.”

His brother, Magnus Ikenna, said bulldozers arrived without warning and used teargas on traders. “Since 2000 we’ve dealt with the federal government here. How can the rules suddenly change overnight?” he asked, adding that many traders now face bankruptcy.

Government defends demolition

The Lagos State Government stood by its actions. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the operation, describing the buildings as “illegal developments” without statutory approvals.

“The government can no longer fold its arms while unapproved structures block critical infrastructure and endanger lives,” Gawat wrote on X.

But with traders facing massive financial losses and alleging foul play, the controversy over ownership rights and federal versus state authority at the Trade Fair Complex is far from settled.