Lagos Orders Demolition Of Structures Blocking Drainages In Lekki

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures built on drainage channels and canal rights of way in Agungi, Ajiran, and Ikota.

Channels TV reported that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the move in a statement on Sunday as part of efforts to tackle persistent flooding in the affected communities.

According to the report, the inspection followed repeated reports of flooding in Agungi despite the completion of major drainage infrastructure in the area more than two years ago.

Daily Post also reported the demolition order, saying the exercise will affect illegal structures along Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota.

Wahab said a land-owning family had illegally blocked the outlet of a primary drainage channel leading into the Lagos Lagoon, preventing stormwater from flowing freely out of the community.

He said the drainage system was designed to discharge floodwater by gravity into the lagoon, and blocking the outlet had reduced its effectiveness.

The commissioner said the government respects legitimate land ownership and Certificates of Occupancy but stressed that no individual or family has the right to obstruct public drainage infrastructure.

He warned that developers undertaking projects on wetlands or water-related sites must obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment before commencing construction.

Sources: Channels TV; Daily Post