Lagos clubs, churches, mosques face ‘outright removal’ over illegal conversion

The Lagos State Government has issued a 30-day final notice to owners and occupants of residential buildings unlawfully converted into churches, mosques, clubhouses, lounges, and bars across the state.

Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s commissioner for environment, stated this in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday evening.

This notice follows the alteration of Lagos State’s master plan, particularly in residential areas, where some individuals disregarded regulatory provisions and transformed residential spaces into clubhouses and places of worship, thereby creating disturbances in the environment.

The decision to issue removal notices stems from concerns about citizen security and numerous complaints regarding the failure to adhere to safety and security guidelines by club owners.

Owners of buildings in residential zones that have been converted into unauthorized places of worship, clubs, or lounges must ensure the eviction of such occupants within the 30-day period, the statement stated.

“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,” Wahab stated.