“They were given ample time to regularise their papers when the State Government declared a general amnesty last year, which was extended several times. According to the release, when officials from the Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development Ministry visited the complex to inspect the properties, they were allegedly denied access and physically assaulted. The statement further addressed claims that the Trade Fair Complex Management Board had authorised the construction. It noted that while the Board, established by the Federal Government to manage the complex, may oversee leases, tenancies, and commercial activities, it lacks the authority to approve building developments independently of the Lagos State Government. “Under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992), as adopted by Lagos State, all physical developments within Lagos require planning permits from the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,” the statement added.