The Lagos State Government has announced that it will commence the removal of illegal stalls and shanties on drainage setbacks around Lagos Island on Tuesday.
This follows the expiration of a 48-hour quit notice issued to traders last week.
This decision was disclosed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel near Olowogbowo and Apongbon.
The inspection aimed to evaluate the level of compliance with the earlier quit notice.
Wahab stated that the government’s action is in the best interest of residents, as the illegal structures have completely blocked critical drainage collectors, including the Bombata/Olusi and Alagbafo channels.
He emphasised that the enforcement would prioritise the removal of structures obstructing public infrastructure, while buildings outside drainage alignments will remain unaffected.
“We have issued abatement notices, and enforcement activities will begin on Tuesday. LASPARK will immediately take over the cleared spaces for beautification and maintenance to prevent traders from returning,” the Commissioner explained.
Wahab also expressed concern over contractors dumping building materials on constructed drains, disrupting the flow of stormwater and damaging public infrastructure.
He directed that ongoing construction sites found obstructing drainage channels, particularly in Oke-Arin, Abibu-Oki, and Ebute Ero market, be sealed until the materials are cleared.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to environmental preservation, Wahab said the Ministry would adopt both advocacy and enforcement strategies, ensuring compliance with state environmental laws.
He warned that recalcitrant individuals would face penalties to serve as deterrents to others.
“The government cannot detect all infractions at once, so we encourage whistleblowers to report any violations. We will not allow the destruction of our environment, and offenders will face the full force of the law,” he added.
The Commissioner was joined on the tour by Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; GM LASWAMO, Engr. Femi Afolabi; and other senior officials.
The inspection covered areas including Savage/Elegbata drainage channel, Cole Street, Savage Lane, George Street, Abu Lane, Apongbon underbridge, Olowogbowo, Ebute Ero, Oke-Arin, and Alakoro Martins drainage collectors.