The Lagos State Government began a large-scale demolition of Pelewura Market on Lagos Island on Friday.
Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that compensation payments to traders affected by the demolition had already begun.
In a post on his X account on Friday, Gawat explained that the demolition was part of efforts to realign Lagos Island with the city’s urban development plan.
He stated, “The Lagos State Government, through the Urban Development Office and Lagos Building Control Agency, has taken control of Pelewura. Compensation is in progress.”
Gawat further mentioned that a similar demolition was carried out for the Massey hospital, which is now operational. The same approach will be applied to markets like Pelewura, Bombata, and Jankara.
According to him, Pelewura Market’s current condition does not align with the state’s vision for a modern marketplace.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had previously approved the demolition and reconstruction of the market during the presentation of compensation cheques to victims of the Docemo fire incident.
Sanwo-Olu assured that all traders and residents affected by the demolition would be compensated.
However, the government has yet to clarify whether the original traders will have the opportunity to return to their shops once the reconstruction is complete.
