The Lagos State Government has restated its determination to continue removing structurally unsafe buildings across the state as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives, property and the environment.
Speaking on Monday, January 19, 2026, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that the demolition of distressed structures is based on detailed safety evaluations carried out by relevant government agencies. He emphasised that the protection of residents remains a central priority of his administration.
According to the governor, many of the affected buildings violate existing safety standards, including regulations requiring structures to be located at least 150 metres away from high-tension power lines. He disclosed that the government has been engaging community leaders, including traditional heads, to ensure residents are adequately informed about these safety requirements.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also criticised groups he described as external organisations that, in his view, amplify public outcry without fully understanding the safety risks involved. He stressed that the state would not allow unsafe conditions to persist under the guise of sympathy or activism.
He warned that where buildings pose a clear danger to human lives, the government would not hesitate to order evacuations or carry out demolitions, noting that such actions are taken to prevent avoidable tragedies, especially in densely populated communities.
The governor appealed to residents to cooperate with government officials and comply with safety guidelines, assuring the public that decisions to demolish structures are made after careful consideration and in the broader interest of public welfare.
He further explained that the exercise forms part of Lagos State’s wider environmental and urban management strategy, which seeks to address issues such as structural failures, overcrowding, and environmental hazards.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing building regulations and strengthening environmental monitoring, stating that these measures are essential to creating a safer, more resilient and sustainable Lagos for both present and future generations.