The Lagos State Government has announced that the removal of illegal stalls and shanties from drainage setbacks around Lagos Island will begin on Tuesday, following the expiration of a 48-hour quit notice issued to traders last week.
The announcement was made by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, during a recent inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel near Olowogbowo and Apongbon. The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with the earlier quit notice.
Wahab explained that the government’s intervention was crucial for the well-being of residents, as these illegal structures have completely obstructed key drainage systems, including the Bombata/Olusi and Alagbafo channels. He emphasized that the focus of the enforcement would be on removing the structures blocking public infrastructure. Buildings outside drainage alignments would remain unaffected.
“We have issued abatement notices, and enforcement will commence on Tuesday. LASPARK will immediately take over the cleared spaces for beautification and maintenance to prevent traders from returning,” Wahab said.
The Commissioner also raised concerns about contractors dumping building materials into constructed drains, which disrupt the flow of stormwater and damage public infrastructure. He directed that construction sites causing such blockages—particularly in Oke-Arin, Abibu-Oki, and Ebute Ero market—be sealed off until the materials are cleared.
Wahab reaffirmed the government’s dedication to environmental preservation, stating that the Ministry would continue to employ both advocacy and enforcement strategies to ensure compliance with Lagos State environmental laws.
He also warned that those who defy the law would face severe penalties as a deterrent to others. “While it’s impossible to catch every infraction at once, we encourage whistleblowers to report violations. The government will not allow the destruction of our environment, and offenders will face the full force of the law,” Wahab stated.
The Commissioner was joined during the inspection by the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; GM LASWAMO, Engr. Femi Afolabi; and other senior officials.
The inspection covered key 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.
