Residents weep as Lagos state govt demolish their properties blocking water channels in Lekki
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to the fair and equitable enforcement of the law in its ongoing demolition of illegal structures in Lekki Phase II and the surrounding areas. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this assertion in Lagos on a Saturday, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring justice and impartiality for all involved.
Wahab, who faced numerous appeals from occupants and owners of fully constructed structures situated on drainage setbacks and marked for demolition, emphasized that stopping the demolition would be viewed as a form of double standards. He pointed out that the demolished duplexes occupied the same drainage setback alignment as those yet to be removed.
The government’s unwavering objective is to reclaim its drainage setbacks and restore its master-plan. Mr. Wahab expressed regret that the government had to make the difficult decision to demolish fully constructed structures to restore the drainage setbacks for efficient stormwater flow.
The commissioner clarified that the owners of the demolished structures in Ikota were well aware of their violations, as they had been in contact with the ministry since 2020 when most of the structures were still at the foundation levels. Multiple notices were issued in this regard.
Wahab described the extent of encroachment in Ikota as beyond imagination, with people having built on canal paths. He stressed the government’s determination to curtail such encroachments.
He personally met with the owners of the structures slated for demolition in the Ikota area and advised homeowners to obtain drainage approval, in addition to other required approvals, before commencing construction to avoid such situations.
Wahab reiterated that this enforcement would be an ongoing effort, emphasizing that individuals cannot blame the government for the consequences of their environmentally detrimental actions.
Regarding the closure and reopening of certain major markets in the state, Mr. Wahab noted that markets were closed due to violations of the State Sanitation Laws. To reopen, market executives are provided with a checklist of specific conditions to meet.
The commissioner highlighted the deplorable conditions and unhygienic environments in these markets before their closure, stating that trading food commodities and other items in such conditions was unacceptable.
Furthermore, the state government will conduct a safety audit in the markets through the safety commission to ensure the safety of traders and patrons in these spaces.
During the tour, Mr. Wahab was accompanied by the Permanent Secretaries of the Office of Drainage Services and Environmental Services. The team visited several areas, including Osapa London and major housing estates in Ikota, Lekki County Estate, and Victoria Garden City Estate.
