Key points
- Victor Umeh faults the demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex. He says the move breaks the law.
- The senator argues the site is a federal asset. He says Lagos lacks jurisdiction.
- He insists buildings had board approvals. He adds there was no notice.
Senator Victor Umeh has slammed the demolition exercise at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. He calls the action unlawful and outside the state’s powers.
Umeh spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday. He said the move defied due process and basic legal order.
Umeh argues Lagos lacks jurisdiction
The senator says the complex is a federal property. It is managed by the Federal Government through the Trade Fair Management Board.
“The country is run by laws and the constitution,” he said. “I’m disappointed the commissioner tried to justify an illegal act.”
Umeh adds that federal lands fall under federal control. Such assets, he notes, are recorded at the Federal Land Registry in Ikoyi. They are not listed in the Lagos Land Registry in Alausa.
He says heavy equipment rolled in without proper basis. Shops and assets were destroyed, he added, with traders in shock. For broader context on recent enforcement disputes in Lagos, see this Oral Estatedemolition dispute. It tracks claims and official replies.
Board approvals, notice claims and next steps
Umeh, a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, gave more detail. He says the Trade Fair board handles all approvals and site management.
He lists development permits, property rates, and ground rent among those roles. Lagos, he says, has never done those duties at the complex.
He dates the push to about two weeks ago. He says buildings then fell on 25 September. Umeh describes the action as “intrusion” by the state. He says neither the board nor traders got prior notice.
He rejects claims of buildings on canals or without permits. He insists structures had proper approvals from the board.
He urges respect for due process on federal land. He says the law must guide any further steps at the complex.
The debate also touches investor trust and policy signals. See this Dangote investment climate warning for wider context on property and investment confidence.
