The Lagos State Government has directed traders and property owners at Mandilas Plaza, Lagos Island, to remove all unauthorized stalls, shop extensions, and obstructions blocking access routes by the end of Friday, warning that failure to comply will result in demolition.

The order comes after a recent fire at the popular commercial complex, which was linked to a generator within the plaza. While there were no casualties, the blaze caused significant property damage, and emergency responders faced challenges accessing the site due to illegal structures.

In a message to traders, Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), stressed that any refusal to remove illegal extensions would lead to immediate enforcement action. He also offered condolences to those who lost goods in the fire.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference, highlighted that fire incidents in Lagos had reduced in 2024 due to the state’s investment in modern firefighting equipment, enhanced mobility, and technological tools. According to him, calls attended by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service dropped significantly from over 2,500 in 2023.

Over the past six years, the state government has built 25 new fire stations and acquired more than 60 modern fire trucks and firefighting kits. Plans are underway to add four more stations soon. Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the deployment of drones to detect fires in high-rise buildings, alongside community participation, to improve fire safety and emergency response.

The government’s latest action reflects a growing commitment to ensuring public safety and preventing obstructions that could hinder rescue operations during emergencies.