The Lagos State Government has directed the demolition of the Article Shopping Complex located in Satellite Town following serious safety and structural concerns identified during recent inspections.

The decision was announced after an enforcement exercise carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), which revealed widespread structural defects in several commercial buildings within the area and nearby markets.

According to officials, the inspection also covered Agric Market and Coker Market in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, where many three-storey commercial buildings were found to be in a distressed condition.

Authorities stated that about 90 per cent of the inspected structures showed varying levels of structural weakness, yet many were still actively being used for business activities despite the risks.

As part of the enforcement action, the government issued a 14-day ultimatum to owners of affected buildings in Agric and Coker markets to conduct structural integrity tests and submit reports for evaluation.Officials stressed that such assessments are necessary to determine the true condition of the buildings before further government action is taken.The LASBCA also confirmed that occupants of the Article Shopping Complex will be evacuated before demolition is carried out.

The agency noted that the complex had previously been marked as distressed and is located near a building that recently collapsed, an incident which led to the death of nine people and renewed public concern over building safety in Lagos.Government officials warned that failure to comply with safety directives or refusal to carry out required tests may lead to prosecution.

The authorities reiterated their commitment to enforcing building standards across Lagos State to prevent further loss of lives due to building collapse and structural failures.