The Lagos State Government has commenced the demolition of 39 marked structures in Ikota Estate, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, following the expiration of the quit notice issued to affected property owners.
According to the government, the demolished buildings violated drainage setback regulations, which have contributed to the persistent flooding experienced in the area.
Leading a monitoring and enforcement team to the site, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, lamented the increasing encroachment on waterways and warned residents against actions that endanger the environment.
“We earlier stopped them, but we were alerted again recently that the encroachment had resumed aggressively, with attempts to sell land to unsuspecting buyers,” Wahab said.
“The state government has now taken decisive action to halt the encroachment and clear all illegal structures along the drainage alignment. Those behind these unlawful activities will be identified and prosecuted accordingly.”
Wahab dismissed a viral video alleging that the Ministry demanded payments from property owners to prevent demolition at Oral Estate, also in Ikota, describing the claim as false and misleading.
Speaking further on the state’s ongoing battle with flooding, the commissioner acknowledged that it is impossible to completely eliminate flooding in a coastal state like Lagos, which is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, lagoons, and rivers.
“What we can do is reduce its effects through resilient infrastructure, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently provided and maintained,” Wahab said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced that the Green Line Rail Project, running from Marina to Epe, is expected to commence in December following stakeholder consultations and feasibility studies.
Osiyemi noted that some car dealers, previously granted temporary approval to use power line corridors, had violated the terms by erecting permanent structures on wetlands.
“As a state, we must enforce compliance and protect the environment while advancing our transport development agenda,” he said, directing relevant authorities to ensure the eviction of illegal occupants along the corridor.
Lagos Demolishes 39 Marked Buildings in Ikota Estate
