Lagos Govt bans occupation of abandoned buildings to check insecurity

 

The Lagos State Government has prohibited the illegal occupation of abandoned buildings and properties under construction as part of measures to address security challenges.

Dr Idris Salako, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, April 30, in Lagos.

Salako said the measure became necessary due to security challenges in the nation.

“Lagos State Government has observed with dismay the security challenges in the nation and clearly understands the danger posed by the likely spread of this ugly situation to our dear state,” he said.

Salako noted that hoodlums and social miscreants had continued to convert abandoned buildings and project sites to their bases; from where they commit atrocities, posing serious danger to residents.

He said his ministry decided to invoke its powers, under Section 73 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 as amended; to ensure a safe, secure, sanitised, and sustainable environment.

Salako said that owners and developers of uncompleted or existing buildings should always ensure their properties were in “proper environmental, safe and sanitation conditions.

“No abandoned building will be allowed, for security and safety reasons.”

He added that no construction worker should stay back beyond 6:00 p.m. within premises of buildings undergoing construction.

Salako warned property owners and developers to comply within 30 days to avert sanctions of their buildings being sealed off; and further actions are taken where necessary.

“The Ministry is committed to ensuring livability, the safety of lives and properties; as well as security in Lagos State, hence Owners/Developer(s) who fail to comply with the above conditions within 30 days; would have their buildings sealed off and further actions will be taken where necessary,” he said.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has stated the Federal Government may be giving a false impression; that the Joe Biden administration will send United States troops to defend Nigerians.

The lawyer said rather than give a false impression; the Federal Government of Nigeria should embark on mass recruitment of military and police personnel; equip and motivate them to defend every part of the country.

Falana made this call on Thursday, April 30, during a presentation at a public lecture to mark the 80th birthday of an academic, Prof Omotoye Olorode, in Abuja.

Buhari on Tuesday had sought foreign help to put a stop to the ceaseless bloodshed; as well as kidnappings nationwide.

The former military head asked the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken; for the support of the Biden administration to tackle the security menace in Nigeria.