The Lagos State Government has given residents of 15 distressed buildings in the Iponri Housing Estate, Surulere, a two-week ultimatum to vacate the premises due to serious structural issues.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki, announced the eviction, warning that the buildings pose a significant risk and must be demolished to ensure public safety.
According to a statement released on LASBCA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, the agency had previously issued multiple warnings to the residents. However, the continued deterioration of the buildings now requires urgent action to prevent potential loss of life.
The statement included images of the buildings, which consist of two-story residential flats in dangerously poor condition. Oki emphasized that the evacuation aligns with LASBCA’s commitment to proactively monitor and address compromised structures across Lagos State.
Lagos State House of Assembly member Hon. Desmond Elliot and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Housing, Barrister Barakat Bakare, urged residents to comply with building safety regulations and vacate the premises immediately. LASBCA assured the public that it will continue to monitor and take action on other buildings at risk to safeguard lives and property.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to prevent building collapses, following recent actions in areas like Gbagada and Lagos Island, where critically distressed structures were demolished, avoiding potential disasters.
