Sanwo-Olu Vows Fairness as Lagos Demolishes Unsafe Buildings, Expands Compensation for Displaced Residents

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated his administration’s commitment to fairness and transparency as Lagos presses ahead with the demolition of structurally unsafe buildings, particularly in areas prone to collapse.

The reassurance comes months after the demolition exercise in Oworonshoki triggered protests and a brief disruption of traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge on September 6.

During the second phase of compensation for affected Oworonshoki residents, more displaced families received financial support from the government. The initiative, Sanwo-Olu said, is designed to ensure that no eligible resident is left without due compensation and an opportunity to rebuild.

Mr Oladimeji Animashaun, General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, said in a statement on Friday that the government remains committed to resettling every verified beneficiary.

According to him, 79 residents had earlier received their cheques in the first phase, while another 100 beneficiaries were paid on Thursday. He added that the process would continue in batches until all validated cases were addressed.

Some recipients expressed relief and gratitude as they collected their cheques.

Mrs Rosemary Nwaoha, who received ₦1 million, described the support as “timely” and crucial to her family’s recovery after losing their home.
Mr Patrick Arinze, another beneficiary who received ₦3 million, praised the government for following through on its promises despite earlier tensions within affected communities.

The Lagos government maintains that only structurally compromised buildings were marked for demolition, insisting that the campaign is aimed at protecting lives and preventing future disasters.