Lagos Cracks Down on Flood Risks: Traders, Illegal Structures Face 48-Hour Eviction Notice
Lagos Cracks Down on Flood Risks: Traders, Illegal Structures Face 48-Hour Eviction Notice
The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour removal notice to traders and owners of illegal structures obstructing drainage channels in Ereko, Oke-Arin, and Idumota Markets, Lagos Island.
During an inspection tour on Thursday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that these activities are exacerbating flooding in the area and endangering lives and property. Wahab also ordered the sealing of a construction site at Ereko Market for dumping granite on the road, which obstructed traffic, violating the state’s Environmental Law.
“The drainage channels which de-flood Idumota and environs have been taken over by squatters who have constituted nuisance and security risks to the area and property owners who deliberately built to obstruct the free flow of water,” Wahab said.
He highlighted that the affected drainage systems are vital for managing stormwater in Lagos Island. However, the illegal activities and structures along these channels have hindered their effectiveness, resulting in severe flooding during the rainy season.
“This will be the third time we are visiting Lagos Island,” Wahab noted. “The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has awarded the regeneration of the Lagos Island drainage system and road infrastructure. What we saw we are not happy about… Shanties were erected along the channel, and their activities blocked collectors that are supposed to carry stormwater into the channel. We have to stop it, and we are stopping it right away.”
Wahab disclosed that several abatement notices had been served to the affected traders and property owners before the current eviction directive. He affirmed that the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources would commence the removal of obstructive structures after the notice period to restore proper drainage flow and mitigate flooding risks.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, urged traders to refrain from blocking drainage systems, warning against improper waste disposal.
Read also: Fake Soldier Arrested in Lagos for Abduction and Robbery
Residents and traders were also advised to maintain clean drainage systems, avoid littering, and utilize designated market spaces. Wahab stressed that addressing climate change and flooding requires collective responsibility.
Accompanying Wahab on the inspection were senior officials, including Dr. Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary of Environmental Services; Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of Drainage Services; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, Managing Director of LAWMA; and Engr. Femi Afolabi, General Manager.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring a clean, safe, and flood-free Lagos Island, with strict enforcement of environmental laws to achieve this goal.
