The Lagos State Government has issued a 30-day notice to individuals occupying residential buildings that have been illegally converted into churches, mosques, clubhouses, lounges, and bars without government approval. Occupants and owners are urged to vacate these premises within the stipulated period.
The Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, conveyed this announcement in a statement posted on his official handle on Wednesday. Wahab emphasized that those affected should promptly restore the buildings to their original use before the ultimatum expires.
The Commissioner explained that the notice was prompted by the violation of the master plan of the state’s predominantly residential areas. He expressed concern that some residents had neglected regulatory provisions, transforming residential spaces into clubhouses and places of worship. This, he added, posed a disturbance in the commercial hub of the nation.
“The removal notice became imperative following citizens’ security concerns 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”, the statement added.
