The Lagos State Government has defended its decision to demolish parts of the Trade Fair Complex, insisting that the Federal Government constituted management board lacks powers to independently regulate or approve building developments within the facility.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Tuesday, argued that physical planning and building approvals remain the exclusive responsibility of the Lagos State Government.

“I have read a lot of ignorant opinions such as this. This thought process is damaging, especially as a serving senator planted it to play political hardball. However, these are the facts, laid bare and supported by law,” Wahab said.

According to him, “Trade Fair is not a sovereign community within Lagos State. The board, created by the Federal Government to manage the complex, does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independent of Lagos State Government. Physical Planning and building approvals are within the remit of State Governments.

“Under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992, as domesticated by Lagos State’s Physical Planning and Development Regulations), all physical development in any part of Lagos must obtain planning permit/approval from the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.”

Wahab further cited the 2003 Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which clarified that land use and physical planning fall under concurrent jurisdiction. By that ruling, he stressed, states retain authority to regulate development control within their territories, including federal lands, except for exclusive federal enclaves like military formations.

He added that while the Trade Fair Complex Board may manage leases, tenancies, and commercial activities, any construction, alteration, or development must secure Lagos State’s planning approval. Otherwise, such structures risk being declared illegal and subject to demolition.

The demolition, however, has sparked outrage among affected traders and political leaders. Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, led a high-powered delegation of lawmakers to the demolished ASPAMDA Market within the complex, where several plazas were pulled down despite traders claiming to have obtained necessary approvals.

Obi was joined by Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, and Tony Nwoye, alongside House of Representatives members Segun Sowonmi and George Adegeye. Labour Party’s Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, were also present.

Addressing traders after the visit, Obi commended them for maintaining peace despite what he described as “painful loss and injustice.” He urged governments to act with compassion and fairness, warning that demolishing legitimate investments financed through loans was not only unjust but also economically destructive.

“A nation aspiring to progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens. Incidents like this have no place in a society that seeks fairness, stability, and shared prosperity,” he said.

Senator Victor Umeh condemned the demolitions as “an unconscionable assault on hardworking Nigerians who invested their life savings in legitimate businesses.” He vowed that the National Assembly would not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet, promising to push for accountability and justice for the traders.