Lagos Gives Ojo Traders and Squatters Seven Days to Vacate Hospital Area

A fresh enforcement operation is underway around the newly constructed Ojo General Hospital in Lagos, with traders, squatters and other occupants of public spaces given seven days to leave areas identified as illegal encroachments.

The exercise, which began on Monday, was carried out by the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA) around the hospital along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, close to the LASU-Iba Road junction.

Rather than immediately clearing the area, officials began with sensitisation and the issuance of contravention notices. Occupants were warned that full enforcement would commence once the seven-day ultimatum expires.

The affected spaces include areas designated as setbacks and corridors for the hospital and other government infrastructure.

LASISMA Lists Illegal Activities Around the Hospital

LASISMA General Manager Oludaisi Oso said officials discovered several activities operating around the hospital that were considered inappropriate for the location.

Among them are an unauthorised fruit market, illegal refuse dump, public toilets, wood market and structures occupied by squatters.

According to him, allowing such activities to continue around a major health facility could undermine the purpose of the hospital and create serious problems for patients, visitors and medical workers.

Oso particularly raised concerns about emergency access, saying encroachment could make it difficult for patients to reach the hospital quickly when urgent treatment is required.

He questioned how a pregnant woman requiring emergency treatment would be able to reach an operating theatre within minutes if access routes around the hospital were blocked by illegal activities.

Government Warns of Health and Security Risks

The LASISMA boss also expressed concern about the presence of decomposing waste close to the hospital.

He warned that patients visiting the facility for treatment could potentially be exposed to additional environmental and health risks if the surroundings remain poorly managed.

The government believes the situation could also create security challenges and restrict emergency movement once the hospital becomes fully operational.

Oso said public spaces attached to government facilities were created for specific purposes and should not be converted into informal markets, workshops, toilets, refuse dumps or residential areas.

Lagos Targets Encroachment on Government Land

The operation around Ojo General Hospital is part of a wider effort by the Lagos State Government to reclaim public spaces that have been illegally occupied.

Oso said government institutions, including schools and other public facilities, have also been affected by encroachment across the state.

He explained that the government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and LASISMA, intends to restore such spaces to their original purposes.

The enforcement will initially focus on government-owned facilities before expanding to other areas where public spaces have been illegally occupied.

Traders Told to Move to Approved Markets

LASISMA stressed that the government is not attempting to prevent residents from running legitimate businesses.

Instead, traders and other commercial operators are being directed to operate from locations officially designated for such activities.

Oso advised traders who need additional commercial spaces to approach the relevant government authorities for proper allocation rather than occupying road setbacks or spaces reserved for public infrastructure.

He maintained that Lagos remains open to businesses and residents but insisted that commercial activities must comply with planning and environmental regulations.

Seven-Day Deadline Before Full Enforcement

Monday’s operation was primarily focused on notifying occupants of the violations and giving them an opportunity to leave voluntarily.

Those affected have seven days to vacate the identified areas.

After the deadline, LASISMA says enforcement teams will return to begin the next phase of the operation.

The authority also disclosed that the government has plans to redevelop spaces around the hospital and provide complementary facilities that will support the operation of the newly constructed health institution.

The development means traders, squatters and other occupants who remain in the affected areas after the deadline could face removal as Lagos intensifies its campaign against illegal occupation of public spaces.

What Happens Next

With the seven-day notice now running, attention will turn to whether occupants comply before enforcement teams return to the Ojo General Hospital area.

Lagos authorities have made it clear that setbacks and spaces reserved for public infrastructure will no longer be allowed to operate as informal commercial or residential areas.