The Lagos State Government has given illegal occupants and operators of makeshift structures encroaching on the setbacks of public institutions seven days to vacate or face enforcement.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Mr Daisi Osho, issued the directive on Monday during the inauguration of an enforcement campaign at the perimeter fence of the newly constructed Ojo General Hospital along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Osho said those affected included informal traders, makeshift stall owners and roadside operators occupying unauthorised areas around public institutions such as hospitals and schools.
“Those occupying unauthorised areas around public institutions, including hospitals and schools, must dismantle their structures and vacate within seven days.
“The move is aimed at preventing traffic congestion and ensuring unhindered access for security operations, health emergencies and critical patient care,” he said.
He said the ongoing sensitisation campaign would allow voluntary compliance, but strict enforcement would begin immediately after the expiration of the notice.
Osho said the exercise marked the beginning of a statewide enforcement campaign against the encroachment of informal businesses on public infrastructure setbacks.
He explained that the initiative was part of LASISMA’s mandate to safeguard public infrastructure corridors and restore access to spaces meant for critical facilities.
According to him, the government is intensifying efforts across the metropolis to reclaim public corridors, reduce bottlenecks around key social infrastructure and restore urban order.
“Government is not against people doing business, but it must be done in designated places created for that purpose.
“There are areas already designated in our operational development plans for marketplaces and other uses.
“No more illegal encroachment on our setbacks. We are starting with government institutions and will extend to other affected areas,” he said.
Osho reiterated the state government’s commitment to organising the informal sector through designated markets, warning that illegal occupation of public setbacks would no longer be tolerated.
He urged residents and business operators to comply with established laws governing the use of public spaces.
“We are going round to serve contravention notices to sensitise people to vacate before enforcement begins.
“This is Lagos. If we do not address this menace, it will escalate. The governor has sworn to protect lives and property, and we must all align with that mandate,” he said.
