Lagos govt orders demolition of shopping complex over safety concerns

The Lagos State Government has ordered the demolition of the Article Shopping Complex in Satellite Town, citing significant safety concerns. Additionally, owners of distressed buildings in the Agric and Coker markets within the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area have been given a 14-day ultimatum to conduct structural integrity tests.

This directive follows an enforcement exercise by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). Inspections revealed widespread structural defects in several commercial buildings, raising alarms about the safety of traders and occupants. Kolawole Williams, Director of Quality Control and Post-Construction at LASBCA’s Badagry Division, emphasized the government's commitment to enforcing building safety regulations. "The Lagos State Government is determined to minimize the incidence of building collapse in the state. We will continue to enforce building standards because the safety of Lagosians remains our priority," Williams stated.

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The Lagos State Government is determined to minimize the incidence of building collapse in the state. We will continue to enforce building standards because the safety of Lagosians remains our priority.

Occupants of the Article Shopping Complex will be evacuated before demolition. An office building under construction on the already distressed complex was also demolished during the operation. This complex is located near a three-story building that collapsed last week, killing nine people. Williams noted that approximately 90 percent of the buildings assessed in the affected markets showed varying degrees of structural distress.

At Agric Market, 10 three-story commercial blocks, many still occupied, were inspected. These buildings had been marked as distressed in January 2026, yet traders continued their activities. Similarly, 12 three-story buildings at Coker Market showed partial structural failure but remained in use. Market leaders claimed repairs were underway, but the agency insisted on professional structural integrity assessments. Owners who fail to comply with the 14-day deadline for integrity tests will face further government action.

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Integrity tests will determine the structural condition of these buildings before the government decides the next line of action.