The Lagos State Government through the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA), has commenced the demolition of all illegal structures within Idera Private Developers and Lekki Coastal City Schemes in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
This is part of the move from the Lagos State Government to stop illegal encroachment on State-owned lands designated for development as well as to stop the criminal activities of some land sellers from luring their victims into buying government lands.
According Tpl. Olakunle J. Aboyeji, the Acting General Manager, New Towns Development Authority (NTDA), who spoke during the demolition said “the operation became necessary given the commitment and determination of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to get rid of illegal occupants on government property”.
He restated the zero-tolerance policy of the State Government to all forms of illegal encroachment and developments within government lands as well as the menace of unscrupulous persons selling government acquisition land to some unsuspecting members of the public.
Aboyeji lamented that despite the several warnings to the general public to desist from purchasing any land within the State without proper search and verification, some individuals are still not complying with the directive of the State Government.
He urged prospective land buyers to conduct a thorough investigation at the State Lands Bureau, the Surveyor General’s Office and New Towns Development Authority to ascertain the authenticity of the land and confirm it is free from the acquisition to forestall any future loss or disappointment that may arise through such illegal purchases.
The Acting General Manager stressed that the decision to carry out the demolition exercise was taken after much consultation and deliberation, stating that several warnings and notices had been issued to the illegal developers, who had taken possession illegally of government lands in the Idera Private Developers Scheme and Lekki Coastal City Scheme before the demolition was carried out.
He added that the demolition would serve as a deterrent to the people who patronise and purchase land from speculators (Omo Onile) without due diligence from government agencies responsible for the sale of landed property in the State.
Aboyeji insisted that the public and the private developers should always seek the authorisation of the government before the purchase of any land in Lagos State, just as he warned land speculators/Omo-Onile to desist from selling government acquisition to members of the public, saying that anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.
