No fewer than 17 buildings have been demolished by the Lagos State Government for illegally encroaching on the Right of Way of the Ikota River.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, led journalists and a monitoring team to the site on Saturday, where the demolition was ongoing.
Wahab said the state had earlier stopped the illegal land reclamation but had to return after receiving fresh reports that the encroachment had resumed aggressively. According to him, the encroachers were already trying to sell off the land to unsuspecting buyers.
“We won’t fold our hands and watch people destroy the ecosystem. Nature always fights back when abused,” he said.
He vowed that all those behind the unlawful development would be traced and prosecuted. The commissioner also noted that although Lagos, being a coastal state, cannot totally avoid flooding, efforts are ongoing to reduce its impact through proper infrastructure and consistent drainage maintenance.
Wahab mentioned property No. 156 as one of the key structures blocking the natural flow of water, saying it would be removed to allow free passage of the Ikota channel into the Lagos Lagoon.
He added that demolition is not always the first option. In some cases, developers are asked to present proper drainage plans, but the cost must be borne by them — not taxpayers.
“It is unfair for government to keep fixing problems created by selfish individuals,” Wahab said.
During an inspection of the Lekki-Epe corridor, the commissioner expressed concern over widespread encroachment on wetlands designed to hold rainwater. He said drone images showed the destruction of coconut trees planted in those areas, with violators already served notices since September 26.
Also speaking during the visit, Commissioner for Transport Oluwaseun Osiyemi disclosed that the state’s Green Line Rail project would commence in December, stretching from Marina to Epe.
He said some car dealers and business owners had abused temporary land approvals by erecting permanent buildings on wetlands and power line spaces.
“As a state, we are committed to enforcing compliance while pushing forward with key transport projects,” Osiyemi said.
The inspection also covered areas such as Chevron Gate off Orchid Road, Partibon Homes, Oral Extension Phase 2, and Park View, Ikoyi, where illegal developments are being reviewed for further action.
Comments are closed.