The Lagos State Government has ordered the demolition and removal of the Article Shopping Complex in Satellite Town over concerns about the safety of the building.
The government also gave traders and property owners in Agric and Coker markets in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area 14 days to carry out structural integrity tests on buildings showing signs of damage.
The directive followed inspections conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) at the Article Shopping Complex in Oriade Local Council Development Area and at Agric and Coker markets in the Odun-Ade area.
During the inspections, officials found that many commercial buildings in the affected locations were in poor condition and no longer safe for use.
The agency said the Lagos State Government would not allow unsafe buildings to remain occupied as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent building collapse in the state.
Occupants of the Article Shopping Complex have been directed to leave the premises before demolition begins. An office building that was still under construction within the weakened complex was also demolished during the enforcement exercise.
According to the agency, the shopping complex had previously been marked for demolition. It is located close to a three-storey building that recently collapsed, resulting in the death of nine people.
Officials also said that many of the buildings inspected at Agric and Coker markets showed different levels of structural defects.
At Agric Market, inspectors examined several three-storey buildings occupied by traders selling building materials. They found that many of the buildings were still being used despite earlier warnings issued months ago.
Similar conditions were observed at Coker Market, where business activities were still taking place in damaged buildings.
The agency directed owners of the affected buildings to submit the results of structural integrity tests within the 14-day deadline before further action is taken.
It also warned that anyone who fails to comply with safety directives on distressed buildings will face legal action.
The enforcement exercise is part of the Lagos State Government’s renewed efforts to reduce the recurring cases of building collapse across the state.
