The Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority has issued occupants and illegal owners of makeshift structures encroaching on the setbacks of public institutions’ buildings a seven-day ultimatum to vacate or face enforcement.

Giving the directive on Monday, during the inauguration of an enforcement campaign at the perimeter fence of the newly constructed Ojo General Hospital along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, LASISMA general manager, Daisi Osho, said those affected are informal traders, makeshift stall owners and roadside operators.

Mr Osho said, “Those occupying unauthorised areas around public institutions, including hospitals and schools, must dismantle their structures and vacate within seven days. The move is aimed at preventing traffic congestion and ensuring unhindered access for security operations, health emergencies and critical patient care.

“The exercise marks the commencement of an enforcement campaign against the widespread abuse. This is, in particular, the encroachment of informal urban space abutting the perimeter fence of the newly constructed Ojo General Hospital.

“The purpose of the campaign is to sensitise illegal occupants. It is also to serve contravention notices on persons and structures illegally occupying setbacks of roads and corridors reserved for public buildings and critical government infrastructure.”

He added, “Look at where we are standing vis-à-vis the ground floor of the general hospital, it is about 1.8 metres difference, yet people dump waste here daily. Government is not against people doing business, but it must be done in designated places created for that purpose.

“There are areas already designated in our operational development plans for marketplaces and other uses. No more illegal encroachment on our setbacks. We are starting with government institutions and will extend to other affected areas.”

He stated that although the sensitisation campaign, which marked the beginning of a statewide enforcement drive against the growing abuse of public infrastructure setbacks, would allow voluntary compliance, strict enforcement would commence immediately after the ultimatum.

“We are going round to serve contravention notices to sensitise people to vacate before enforcement begins. This is Lagos,” Mr Osho added. “If we do not address this menace, it will escalate. The governor has sworn to protect lives and property, and we must all align with that mandate.”

According to him, the move is part of the state government’s resolve to reclaim public corridors, reduce bottlenecks around key social infrastructure and restore urban order, adding that although Lagos is open to all, residents and business operators must comply with laws guiding the use of public spaces.