The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and canal right of way in parts of Lekki as part of efforts to combat flooding and enforce environmental regulations.
The planned enforcement exercise will target illegal developments in Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota, with the government warning that no individual or developer found to have encroached on drainage infrastructure will be spared.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this after inspecting major drainage infrastructure and flood control projects across Lekki, Agungi, Ikota and Ajiran.
The inspection followed recurring reports of flooding in Agungi despite the completion of major drainage projects in the area more than two years ago.
During the inspection, Wahab said officials uncovered what he described as a major obstruction responsible for the persistent flooding in Ajiran, revealing that a land-owning family had illegally blocked the Ajiran outfall channel.
According to the commissioner, the family obstructed the primary drainage outlet that discharges stormwater into the Lagos Lagoon, preventing floodwater from flowing naturally out of the community.
He explained that the drainage system was designed to channel stormwater into the lagoon through gravity, adding that the blockage had significantly reduced its effectiveness.
“We discovered that the outlet into the lagoon had been deliberately blocked. Without opening that channel, the water cannot leave the area. We have therefore directed that it be reopened immediately in the overriding public interest,” Wahab said.
The commissioner stressed that although the government respects legitimate land ownership and Certificates of Occupancy, property rights do not permit anyone to obstruct public drainage infrastructure.
“No one is above the law. Having title to land does not give anyone the authority to close a drainage channel or water body that serves thousands of residents. We are not taking anyone’s land; we are simply restoring the channel to allow water flow into the lagoon,” he stated.
Wahab explained that both Agungi and Ajiran depend on a dedicated drainage network that conveys stormwater through Chevron Drive into the Lagos Lagoon.
He warned that blocking drainage channels undermines the government’s investment in flood control infrastructure and exposes surrounding communities to avoidable flooding.
“You can imagine the level of flooding within the community, and eventually, the government gets blamed for inadequate infrastructure. Taxpayers’ money is being used to construct and maintain these drainage channels.
Residents should not make the situation worse by blocking them. We will continue to open up blocked drainage channels wherever they are found in the overriding public interest,” he said.
The commissioner also visited Megamond Estate in Ikota, where he alleged that developers had illegally reclaimed part of the Ikota River and commenced construction without obtaining the required environmental and drainage approvals.
He further disclosed that some of the developments exceeded the approvals previously granted by the state government and that enforcement notices had already been served but ignored.
“From tomorrow morning, all illegal structures erected on reclaimed drainage alignments without approval in this estate will be removed.
This action will send a clear message that Lagos will not tolerate encroachment on drainage channels or public infrastructure,” Wahab said.
According to him, investigations confirmed that no application or approval had been granted for the development in question, adding that demolition would commence without delay.
The commissioner reiterated that all developments involving wetlands or water-related projects must first obtain the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and, where applicable, Wetland Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources before reclamation or construction begins.
He explained that the Environmental Impact Assessment process evaluates the likely environmental impact of proposed developments and recommends measures to mitigate potential risks.
Wahab added that the ministry operates an integrated approval process in collaboration with the Office of Drainage Services and other relevant agencies to ensure environmental, drainage and wetland concerns are fully addressed before approvals are issued.
He lamented that many developers deliberately ignore these statutory requirements by commencing reclamation and construction before seeking government approval.
“We don’t care whose ox is gored. It is unfair to the system, unfair to law-abiding residents and unacceptable because it compromises public safety,” he said.
The commissioner also urged residents to support the government’s enforcement efforts by reporting environmental violations.
“We encourage Lagosians to see something and say something. The illegal activities discovered during today’s inspection came to our attention through whistleblowers.
We investigated, verified the reports and acted immediately. Residents have a critical role to play in protecting our drainage infrastructure,” he added.
Wahab assured residents that the Lagos State Government would continue to safeguard lives, property and public infrastructure through strict enforcement of environmental laws and sustained investment in resilient drainage systems.