Traders at the International Trade Fair Complex, yesterday, berated the Lagos State government for removing, and sealing their warehouses and stores without notice.

It will be recalled that the state government, through the ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development earlier sealed and removed block works of warehouses and stores for flouting the planning laws at the International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Complex, Veronica Ndanusa, who addressed the media, said it was unfortunate that the state had to demolish their warehouses in a commando style without prior notice.

She said the buildings were over 30 years old and wondered why they were just waking up to demolish the same without notice.

She said: “The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, led the team, we tried to reason with the commissioner that it is a Federal Government property and that they don’t have the legal right to be here, but he refused to listen.

“The plans for the buildings are certified by Federal Government engineers. They checked the development plan even before construction started.”

“Lagos officers did not even investigate anything, they never came to the management, of course they didn’t have the right to come here. But they just came in a commando style, and even went ahead to throw teargas at us.

“Not only did they throw teargas, but they also shot at one of our vehicles, I don’t know this kind of barbaric behaviour and it is unacceptable.”

Also lamenting, Chairman, Trade fair Stakeholders Forum, Mr Eric Ilechukwu, said there was no notice before the officials came and started demolishing their shops in the guise of contravention of building planning laws.

According to him, “governance is for the people, and officials should be conscientious.

“We are law abiding because nobody could erect structures in the Trade Fair without approval.

“We appeal to government officials to show restraint in carrying out their responsibilities and abide by the law as no condition is permanent,” he added. (The Guardian)

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