Lagos Washes Hands Off FESTAC Demolitions, Blames Federal Housing Authority

The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the recent demolition of buildings in FESTAC Town, declaring that none of its agencies was involved in the controversial exercise.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made the clarification on Tuesday while addressing journalists at Alausa, Ikeja.

Olumide said contrary to widespread reports on social media, the state government neither ordered nor executed the demolitions, insisting that Lagos follows due process before any structure is brought down.

He explained that the procedure for demolition in the state includes the issuance of statutory notices and extensive engagement with affected stakeholders.

“Lagos State Government operates a transparent and structured process for any removal of structures. Any demolition done without our authorisation does not reflect the position or practice of this administration,” Olumide said in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi.

He further advised all agencies, including federal parastatals operating within the state, to seek clearance from the Ministry before embarking on any demolition activity.

Patriotic Insights News gathered that the demolition exercise was carried out by officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) along 6th Avenue in FESTAC Town.

No fewer than 15 buildings were reportedly pulled down over the weekend, leaving shop owners and residents stranded as bulldozers rolled through the area.

The incident has since sparked outrage among property owners and traders, who accused the authorities of acting without prior notice.