By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent demolition of shops and business structures at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, calling it a “flagrant abuse of power and a violation of both constitutional and human rights.”
In a statement released on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the advocacy group described the exercise as “unlawful, economically oppressive, and a direct attack on the livelihoods of Igbo traders” who constitute the majority of the business population at the complex.
According to FENRAD, the demolition runs contrary to provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, which stipulates due process for revocation of occupancy rights, prior notice to affected persons, and adequate compensation before any structural removal. The organization noted that these legal safeguards were “blatantly ignored,” as no formal notice or environmental impact consultation preceded the demolition.
FENRAD also referenced the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, which mandates stakeholder engagement and compensation frameworks in any redevelopment initiative. “These regulations exist to protect both human rights and economic stability,” the statement said, adding that the Lagos authorities “circumvented every known legal procedure.”
The group further warned that the move appears targeted, as most victims are traders from Nigeria’s southeastern region. It cautioned that the incident could “erode inter-ethnic trust and further inflame socio-economic divisions” if not addressed urgently.
FENRAD outlined several demands, including an independent investigation, immediate compensation to all affected traders, and a moratorium on future demolitions pending full public disclosure of any redevelopment plans.
While acknowledging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s infrastructural strides, the group urged him to personally intervene and suspend further actions at the site. “This demolition not only violates legal norms—it destroys lives, families, and inter-ethnic trust,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD’s Executive Director.
FENRAD called on civil society groups, human rights organizations, and the National Assembly to act swiftly in defending the constitutional and economic rights of Nigerian citizens regardless of ethnicity.
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ORIGINAL STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 4, 2025
FENRAD Condemns Unlawful Demolition at Trade Fair Complex
Cites Violations of the Land Use Act, Physical Planning Regulations, and Trader Rights
Lagos, Nigeria — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) strongly condemns the recent demolition of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, describing the action as unlawful, economically oppressive, and a serious threat to Igbo traders who form the majority of the business community in that market.
FENRAD expresses grave concern that the demolition exercise, allegedly carried out without due process, contravenes key provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act—specifically the requirement for lawful revocation of occupancy rights, prior notice, and adequate compensation to affected property owners and occupiers.
Legal and Development Violations
Under the Land Use Act, Section 28, the government may revoke rights of occupancy only for overriding public interest—a condition that must be clearly justified, legally processed, and communicated. In this case, no transparent process, public hearing, or formal notice has been shown to exist prior to the demolition.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law mandates consultation with stakeholders, environmental impact assessments, and compensation frameworks prior to any structural removal or redevelopment initiative. These procedures were entirely circumvented in this incident, amounting to a gross abuse of regulatory authority.
Targeting of Igbo Traders
This demolition disproportionately affects traders of southeastern Nigerian origin, many of whom have built legitimate businesses over decades at the Trade Fair Complex. The action not only undermines the right to property, fair hearing, and economic participation, but also sends a dangerous signal of ethno-economic targeting, which FENRAD warns could erode national cohesion and peace.
Demands by FENRAD
In light of these violations, FENRAD demands the following:
- An immediate and independent investigation into the legality of the demolition;
- Full compensation and restitution to all affected traders and property owners, as mandated by the Land Use Act;
- A moratorium on all further demolitions in the area pending the outcome of said investigation;
- Public disclosure of the redevelopment plans, including environmental and social impact assessments, if any exist;
- Institutional accountability for public officials and agencies involved in the unlawful act.
A Call to the Governor
While FENRAD acknowledges past efforts by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to improve urban infrastructure and promote inclusivity in Lagos, we strongly urge the Governor to intervene, suspend all demolition activities at the Trade Fair Complex, and ensure justice and compensation for the affected communities.
“This demolition not only violates legal norms—it destroys lives, families, and inter-ethnic trust,” said Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD. “The law is clear: no citizen should be rendered economically homeless without due process.”
FENRAD calls on civil society organizations, human rights bodies, and the National Assembly to defend the constitutional and economic rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnicity or place of residence.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD
Media Contact:
FENRAD Communications Desk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +2348033383708, 07062949232
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
