The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has cleared car dealers and vehicle owners illegally occupying wetlands and parts of the Green Line rail corridor stretching from Lekki to Chevron, following the expiration of a two-week eviction notice.
The enforcement exercise, observed on Saturday during a routine inspection led by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to curb flooding and protect natural drainage channels.
The operation follows a warning from the Federal Government that Lagos and 12 other states were likely to experience severe flooding in September — a forecast that proved accurate as heavy rains recently submerged several Lagos communities, causing gridlock and property damage.
According to Wahab, the decision to remove the encroachers came after drone investigations revealed that large portions of wetlands designed to absorb stormwater had been taken over by car dealers.
“We had major rainfall in September that caused flash flooding along this stretch. Drone surveillance showed that the wetlands, originally planted with coconuts, had been heavily encroached upon. We served notices on September 26, and enforcement has now begun,” Wahab said.
He noted that the illegal occupation not only degraded the wetlands but also threatened the Green Line Rail Project and power infrastructure along the corridor.
“The Green Line rail project runs through this corridor. We’ve directed all encroachers to vacate immediately. Preserving the wetland is essential for flood control and for the safety of ongoing infrastructure projects,” he added.
Wahab emphasized that the government would not compromise on public safety or environmental protection.
“If any of these high-tension cables were to collapse, people would blame the government, forgetting that structures were built directly under power lines. We’ve told car owners to remove their vehicles immediately — the drone images show clear violations,” he stated.
Also present during the inspection, Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, clarified that while some car dealers had been granted temporary use of parts of the powerline area, they violated the terms by erecting permanent structures.
“The Green Line project is scheduled to begin in December. Some dealers had temporary approval to use this space but went beyond their limits. They must vacate immediately,” Osiyemi said.
During a stop at Ikota, Wahab expressed frustration over residents’ disregard for environmental laws.
“It’s painful to see people destroy the ecosystem for personal gain. We stopped illegal reclamation of the Ikota River months ago, but they resumed secretly. We are now removing all illegal structures and prosecuting offenders,” he said.
The commissioner noted that while flooding cannot be completely prevented in a coastal city like Lagos, its impact can be minimized through proper urban planning, maintenance, and enforcement.
“Flooding is inevitable in a coastal state like Lagos, but we can reduce its impact through resilient infrastructure — by maintaining drainages, clearing obstructions, and preventing illegal construction,” he said.
Wahab warned that residents who continue to build beyond approved setbacks despite repeated warnings would face strict penalties.
“We’ve served notices and held meetings. If you still choose to defy the law, enforcement becomes necessary. We cannot allow the negligence of a few to endanger everyone,” he said.
The inspection team also visited the underground drainage project at Agodogba, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, aimed at mitigating flooding on Victoria Island.
“We’re constructing an underground drainage system connecting to the lagoon. About 80 per cent of the work is completed, and we expect it to be finished by December or January,” Wahab disclosed.
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He added that while flash floods may still occur after heavy rains, ongoing projects across Lagos would significantly reduce their frequency and impact.
