Demolition: ASPAMDA Traders Dey Cry Say Dem Don Lose, Lagos Talk Say Na For Safety And Planning Wahala

Di once bubbling Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) Market wey dey inside Lagos International Trade Fair Complex don scatter gbaladun as Lagos State government carry demolition waka enter di place. Di September 2025 demolition na part of government plan to turn di Trade Fair area to one modern business and exhibition zone. But di traders vex say government no give dem better notice, and di thing don scatter dia business anyhow. Hundreds of dem don lose shop, customers no dey come again, and di whole place don turn ghost town. One trader, Umeh Ufoma talk say “life after demolition na disaster,” while another one, Ella Uche, wey dey sell cosmetics, talk say she escape by luck but many of her people no get that kind luck. People like Juliet Aniagwu say di market don lose energy and vibe, as customers from outside Lagos don stop to come. Favour Sunday still dey fear say pillar near her shop fit collapse, even though dem don fix am small.

For people like Chike Okonkwo wey dey sell electronics, dem don relocate to makeshift stalls for Lagos-Badagry Expressway under sun and rain without toilet, light or security. He beg government make dem do something sharp-sharp, especially as Christmas dey near. Meanwhile, Lagos State government no gree say dem do anything wrong. Di Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, talk say di whole area don turn death trap with illegal structures wey no safe for anybody. E say government dey act under Sustainable Development Goal 11 and Lagos T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda to make di city better for everybody. He mention say dem dey follow correct law like di 1992 Nigerian Urban Planning Act, 2019 Lagos law and one 2003 Supreme Court judgement wey give Lagos power to plan and control even federal land, except military place. He clear say di issue no be land ownership wahala but about say everybody must get planning permit. He blast political people wey dey yarn say na tribal matter, say na lie. Dem don give two weeks ultimatum make everybody for di area regularise dia building papers and support di urban renewal plan to make Lagos better and safe for all.