Lagos State Sets Seven-Day Deadline for Illegal Structures in Lekki and Surrounding Regions 

The Lagos State Government has issued a stringent seven-day ultimatum to owners of illegal structures along key areas in Lekki and surrounding regions in a move to address urban planning and environmental challenges. This crackdown, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab and Special Adviser on Environment Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, is focused on properties encroaching the approved seven-meter setback on both sides of the Ikota River channel.

The affected areas include Orchid Road, Agungi, Ajiran, Conservation Road, Osapa, and several other localities along the river. This action follows a thorough inspection tour aimed at assessing compliance with the state’s stringent urban planning guidelines, especially concerning drainage and environmental conservation.

The Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforce the law and reclaim drainage setbacks is unwavering. This resolve is evident in the rigorous inspection of the Ikota River corridor and surrounding areas, where illegal structures have been identified as major contributors to environmental degradation and flooding. 

The government’s approach, although firm, has been marked by a degree of leniency, as evidenced by the reduction of the setback alignment from seven to six meters after negotiations with affected property owners.

Commissioner Wahab underscored the urgent need for residents and developers to adhere to the state’s drainage master plan to prevent property demolition. He highlighted that non-compliance by developers and residents is a primary cause of flooding, and such behavior can no longer be tolerated.

The inspection team also visited Oral Estate II along System 156 Igbo Efon, where illegal structures completely blocked the primary channel, lacking any drainage approvals. Further, at Chevron Drive, Wahab issued a stop work order to Gravitas, the owners of Grace Ville Island and Pocket Island, for altering the Ikota River by sand filling, significantly reducing the lagoon size and impeding natural water flow.

Earlier in the day, the commissioner supervised the demolition of shanties on Thompson Avenue. This action followed complaints by residents about the presence of suspicious individuals and activities posing a security risk. The state’s firm stance was reiterated with Wahab stating that by the following day, the government would fully possess the land.

The Special Adviser on Environment highlighted that despite its challenges as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and high population density, Lagos has remained resilient due to various measures implemented by the government. These measures include year-round cleaning, maintenance, dredging of drainage channels, and construction of new drainage systems to mitigate flooding.