News
Rampant demolition of structures in Nigeria
Amidst concerns of excessive force, demolitions of residential structures have become a pervasive issue in various regions of Nigeria, including Anambra, Enugu, Lagos, Kano, Imo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and others. Authorities often cite unapproved construction or encroachment on canals as justification for these measures. However, the frequency and scale of these demolitions have raised suspicions about underlying motives.
In Kano State, demolitions were initiated soon after the incumbent government assumed office. In Kaduna, 140 homes in Graceland community were demolished. The FCT authorities have also conducted demolitions, notably targeting properties owned by businessman Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. Hundreds more properties in Abuja face a similar fate.
In Lagos State, demolitions have affected areas such as Okota, Ebute Metta, Surulere, Agege, Oworonshoki, Alimosho, Ifako-Ijaiye, Amuwo-Odofin, Yaba, and Lagos Island. In Festac, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) designated 644 houses for demolition and 744 for partial demolition. The most recent demolitions have occurred in Mende Estate in Maryland.
In Ibeju-Lekki, the state government claims that 80% of buildings lack government approval. Despite the presence of regulatory agencies responsible for monitoring construction and enforcing building codes, many of these structures were allegedly erected without appropriate oversight. Concerns have been raised that these buildings may face demolition, despite the apparent negligence of responsible authorities. The Ibeju-Lekki corridor, home to the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Free Trade Zone, has been designated as agricultural land, leading to fears of further demolitions.
We do not subscribe to people erecting illegal buildings in any city in Nigeria. But, some of the current demolitions smack of insensitivity to the plight of many Nigerians with regard to housing. Some of the people who built these houses are retired workers who used their life savings to acquire the properties. In Nigeria, we don’t have enough houses. Currently, there is a housing deficit of about 28 million units in the country. Some real estate experts estimate that the housing deficit could be over 50 million. Many people have nowhere to call home. Some sleep under the bridges, as has been recently discovered in Lagos. Unfortunately, we are demolishing the ones we have. So, rather than embark on indiscriminate demolitions, government should think of how to close the deficit gap.
One major way is to simplify and digitalize the processes of registering a property or acquiring approved government titles for real estate investment. Getting such now is extremely frustrating and difficult in many states. It is riddled with corruption and unnecessary bottlenecks.
In as much as rebuilding a city is desirable, there should be a limit to demolitions. In fact, demolitions should only be done in public interest. For instance, buildings on top of canals that obstruct free flow of water should be brought down because they cause flooding that damage the ecosystem. Besides, any building housing criminal elements or terrorists or built under high-tension cables should also be brought down in public interest. Even then, those who have valid papers should be adequately compensated.
Throwing people away without sufficient notice is not good. Government is for the welfare and interest of the people. What is happening in some parts of the country in the name of demolition appears to be politically motivated. Some of them were reckless and done in bad faith. Government should recognize the huge money people have spent in building as the cost of building materials is very high now.
While governments engage in demolitions, it is crucial to question their efforts in providing alternative housing. Additionally, there are allegations of government officials complicity in illegal construction, as bribes are reportedly accepted to allow such structures to progress beyond the foundation stage. However, these same buildings are later targeted for demolition.
Such corrupt practices must cease. Due process should be followed in all aspects of urban planning and construction. Potential property owners are advised to conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing land or property, including verifying zoning regulations and obtaining building permits.
Governments should proactively halt construction of buildings that violate building codes at the foundation level. Adequate notice should be provided prior to any demolition. Given the current economic hardship faced by many citizens, governments should exercise restraint in their demolition campaigns. Political motivations should not drive such actions.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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