Lagos Govt to Demolish Non-Compliant Structures on Banana Island, Sets Date

The Lagos State Government will commence marking out illegal structures for demolition on Banana Island starting Monday, February 17, 2025. These structures, which fail to comply with building regulations, include buildings that encroach on prohibited zones or pose safety risks to residents.

Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025. He stated that the affected buildings violate one or more of the Lagos State building codes and that some are constructed too close to the shoreline or beneath high-tension power lines.

According to Oki, developers are required to maintain at least 150 meters of clearance from the shoreline, though the government later reduced it to 100 meters. Despite this concession, several buildings still fall within the danger zone.

The marking of illegal structures will take place from February 17 to February 21, 2025. After this period, property owners will have one week to provide legal documentation proving compliance. Oki warned that after the grace period, demolitions will begin on March 3, 2025.

He emphasized that public safety takes precedence over property value, citing past demolition exercises in Abulegba, Iyana-Isheri, and Mayegun Waterfront as part of the government’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws.

Lagos Govt’s Authority on Land Matters

Dr. Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, reaffirmed that the Lagos State Government is the final authority on land matters under the Land Use Act. He noted that unauthorized sand-filling and land reclamation have disrupted the Banana Island master plan and urged residents to cooperate with the government.

In response, Mr. Abidemi Sonaike, Chairman of the Banana Island Association, assured that residents would work with the government to resolve land use violations within the estate.