Lagos Govt demolishes buildings encroaching on Ikota River in Lekki estates after prolonged deadline
The Lagos State Authorities on Friday started demolishing buildings encroaching on the Ikota River inside Oral Property and Megamound Property in Lekki, 24 hours after the Ministry of Atmosphere and Water Sources introduced an extension interval for residents to relocate on Thursday.
The Commissioner for Atmosphere and Water Sources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the demolition train in an announcement posted on his official X account on Saturday.
Previous to the demolition, the federal government had served notices to house owners of buildings obstructing the Ikota River alignment.
After the preliminary deadline handed, an extension was granted on Thursday following appeals from residents for extra time to vacate. The demolition proceeded on Friday, affecting properties in Oral Property, Westend, Lekki County, and elements of Megamound Property.
“Following the expiration of served notices, operatives from Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Division of the Lagos State Ministry of the Atmosphere and Water Sources on Friday commenced the removing of contravening buildings inside Megamond Property and Oral Property alongside Ikota River alignment, Eti-osa, to stop perennial flooding within the space,” Wahab’s submit learn.
The commissioner’s submit was accompanied by a video clip displaying a bulldozer tearing down one of many affected buildings as enforcement officers from the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Division carried out the operation.
Backstory
On Thursday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Atmosphere and Water Sources, introduced an extension of the deadline for residents to vacate their properties alongside the Ikota River. This extension was granted after property house owners requested extra time for relocation.
- Wahab emphasised that whereas the federal government stays targeted on restoring the river’s alignment to stop flooding, solely buildings obstructing the river’s path could be affected. He additionally reassured residents that the federal government would have interaction empathetically, however non-compliant property house owners could be held accountable.
- The ministry clarified that affected residents had been given ample time to adjust to preliminary removing notices. It was revealed that unlawful land reclamation and sandfilling had narrowed the river’s channel, growing flood dangers.
- In Oral Property alone, 18 buildings have been discovered to be inside the river’s designated setback, with related violations recognized in different elements of Lekki. This elevated the urgency of enforcement actions.
The ministry confirmed that demolitions have been being carried out in accordance with environmental laws and following correct contravention notices. Whereas dialogue with owners will proceed, the federal government harassed that non-compliance wouldn’t be tolerated.
Restoring the pure circulate of the Ikota River is a key a part of the state’s broader flood mitigation efforts, the ministry had harassed.
