By Chidi Ugwu
Copyright independent
ABUJA – Spaces for Change (S4C), a prom-inent human rights organisation, has condemned the recent dem-olitions of business premises at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, which began on September 25, 2025.
The demolitions, ordered by the Lagos State Government, targeted plazas, malls, shops, and other commercial structures, leaving traders and business owners in economic distress and prompting accusations of injus-tice and economic sabotage.
In a statement issued by S4C’s Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim Ohaeri, the organisation demanded justice for what it de-scribed as the “unconstitutional destruction” of properties within the Trade Fair Complex.
The Lagos State Govern-ment justified the demolitions, claiming they targeted “ille-gal developments, structures without statutory approvals, defective structures, and struc-tures built on road setbacks and drainage.”
However, S4C’s alleged that findings, based on a site visit conducted on September 26, 2025, contradict these claims.
According to S4C, the demo-litions were carried out without prior notice or consultation with the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, which is empowered by the 1993 Act to administer the complex and regulate the con-struction of structures.
Victims of the demolitions, including traders and business owners, alleged they possessed valid building approvals issued by the Board through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, directly challenging the state gov-ernment’s narrative.
The demolitions have caused significant hardship, with some victims hospitalised due to severe shock and health distress.
Reports also surfaced of phys-ical abuse against protesters, in-cluding traders and stakeholders, by security agencies and non-state actors allegedly mobilised by the state.
S4C described these actions as “brazen acts of injustice” that strip victims of their property rights and exacerbate Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
