…… Shop owners implores Lagos state government for compensation
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has commenced the demolition of critically distressed buildings in Ojo Alaba International Market. This action comes as a result of the deteriorated state of these structures, posing significant risks to the occupants and the surrounding community.
To ensure a smooth demolition process, the LASBCA conducted an assessment in advance of the demolition, which was originally scheduled to commence on a Sunday.
This preliminary evaluation aimed to evaluate the structural integrity of the buildings and identify any potential hazards. It also provided an opportunity for the shop owners to retrieve their belongings and vacate the premises prior to the initiation of the demolition exercise.
The assessment process aimed to strike a balance between the urgent need for demolition and the preservation of the affected shop owners’ interests. By allowing shop owners to remove their belongings, the LASBCA demonstrated a certain degree of empathy and consideration.
In an exclusive interview with Mr. Amaechi Daniel Oduagwu, a shop owner who hails from Anambra but has established his business in Lagos, the distressing reality of their circumstances becomes apparent. He candidly admitted that those buildings were issued a notice as far back as 2016 due to the deteriorating state of the buildings within the market premises.
Reflecting on their predicament, Mr. Amaechi revealed that they were now oblivious to the fact that the buildings they purchased had already been served with notices prior to their ownership.
When they purchased their shops, they were not made aware of the imminent threat of demolition looming over their heads. Consequently, they find themselves in a situation where their financial security and livelihoods are at stake.
The appeal to the government for compensation is not merely a plea for financial assistance, but rather a plea for justice and fairness in the face of a situation they were unaware of.
The Alaba International Market has long served as a vibrant commercial hub, attracting both local residents and visitors from far and wide. It has become an essential destination for a diverse range of products and services, catering to the needs of countless customers.
The demolition not only impacts the individual shop owners, but also has broader implications for the local economy and the community at large.
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