Lagos State Governor, Jide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered owners of buildings and structures erected on drainage channels in the Sangotedo area of Lekki and the Okota, Isolo areas to remove their structures within 14 days.
State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this directive following an inspection tour of various contravention sites and ongoing drainage enforcement projects in Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Sangotedo, Lekki, and Ikoyi.
Wahab emphasised the state government’s commitment to restoring order in Lagos: “The era of environmental indiscipline and nuisance is over in Lagos. We will enforce all relevant laws regardless of who is affected. Despite its challenges as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density, Lagos has remained afloat due to various measures implemented by the government.”
He added that the government’s Drainage Enforcement activities aim to protect the populace from disease outbreaks: “Climate change is real, and there is a cholera outbreak. We must understand that these issues are interconnected. We must all be responsible and responsive. People cannot continue to brazenly abuse the environment and expect no consequences.”
In the Sangotedo area near Lagos Business School, Wahab said: “A 48-hour contravention notice has been served to owners of buildings within the drainage channels, followed by a 14-day abatement notice. Once this period expires, the law will take its course. Full enforcement will commence after the expiration of all notices, with an option for voluntary compliance.”
He reiterated that despite Lagos’ peculiarities as a coastal state, the government’s proactive measures have kept the state manageable.
