Lagos Government Issues 24-Hour Notice for Removal of Illegal Structures Blocking Drainage Channels

The Lagos State Government has issued a 24-hour eviction notice to traders and property owners whose illegal structures are obstructing drainage channels along Ereko, Oke-Arin, and Idumota Markets on Lagos Island.

This action was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection of the area on Thursday.

Wahab also ordered the immediate sealing off of a property under construction in the Ereko Market area, which had been dumping a heap of granite onto the road, obstructing traffic and violating the state’s Environmental Law. The drainage channels, vital for managing stormwater and preventing flooding in the region, have been severely blocked by squatters’ illegal activities and structures, contributing to the recent flooding that has posed a threat to lives and properties.

“The drainage channels, which are crucial for de-flooding Idumota and its surrounding areas, have been taken over by squatters and property owners who have built structures that obstruct the free flow of water. This has significantly contributed to flooding in the area, and we cannot allow this to continue,” Wahab said during the inspection.

Wahab pointed out that this was the third visit to Lagos Island in an effort to address the drainage challenges. He mentioned that although the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had awarded contracts for the regeneration of the Lagos Island drainage system and road infrastructure, some critical drainage systems, such as the Olusi Bombata Collector and Alagbafo, were not included in the plans. During the inspection, officials observed that shanties had been erected along the drainage channels, blocking the collectors designed to carry stormwater into the main channels.

Several abatement notices have previously been served to those responsible for the obstructions, and the state government has now decided to take action to clear the blocked drainage systems.

“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to ensuring a clean and flood-free environment, and we will not relent in our efforts to achieve this. We will take decisive steps to remove these structures without further delay,” Wahab added.

He also emphasized the importance of traders using designated markets properly, urging local governments to construct appropriate facilities for traders. Additionally, Wahab urged residents to refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal and to take ownership of the infrastructure provided for their benefit.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment,  Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, also expressed regret that many of the previously cleaned drainage channels are now being littered with refuse. He called on traders and residents to work together in maintaining the drainage channels, particularly tertiary ones, which are critical in preventing flooding.

The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will return to the area by the weekend to begin the removal of the illegal structures and restore proper drainage flow. The team involved in the inspection also included key officials from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and other relevant government agencies.