The Lagos State Government has announced that it is set to demolish buildings that are illegally converted to worship centers and clubs in the commercial city.
It has given a 30-day final notice to owners and occupants of residential buildings that have been illegally converted to churches, mosques, clubhouses, lounges, and bars.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement via his X handle on Tuesday.
According to Wahab, the notice has become necessary due to the distortion of the masterplan of Lagos State.
He said:
“Lagos State Government has given 30-day final notice to owners/occupiers of residential buildings illegally converted to churches, mosques, clubhouses, lounges, and bars across the state without approval for change of use, to revert to the original use of the structure.
“The notice is a sequel to the distortion of the masterplan of Lagos State, especially residential areas, by some people who in gross disregard to the regulatory provisions of the law turned residential areas into clubhouses and worship centres thereby constituting a nuisance to the environment.
“The removal notice became imperative following security concerns of citizens and repeated complaints of non-adherence to safety and security guidelines issued to the club owners.
“Any owner of buildings in residential areas that have been converted to churches, mosques, clubs, bars or lounges without the requisite approvals should evict such occupants before the expiration of the 30 days’ final notice as the state will not give further notice of sealing but outright removal of such non-conforming buildings at the cost of the owners.”
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