– Warns developers against encroachment on drainage right of way, insists on environmental compliance
The Lagos State Government has declared it will immediately remove all illegal structures obstructing canals and drainage channel right of way along Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota areas of the state.
The state reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating perennial flooding across Lagos, regardless of the status of developers or individuals responsible for the encroachments.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known after an extensive inspection tour of critical drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in Lekki, Agungi, Ikota and Ajiran.
The inspection followed persistent reports of flooding in Agungi despite the completion of major drainage infrastructure in the area over two years ago.
Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner disclosed that the inspection uncovered a major obstruction responsible for the recurring flooding at Ajiran, where a land-owning family was discovered to have blocked the Ajiran outfall channel.
According to him, the family had illegally obstructed the outlet of a primary drainage channel leading directly into the Lagos Lagoon, preventing stormwater from flowing freely out of the community.
He explained that the drainage infrastructure was specifically designed to discharge floodwater by gravity into the lagoon, stressing that blocking the outlet had significantly impaired the effectiveness of the system.
“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,” he said.
Wahab emphasized that while the government recognizes legitimate land ownership and respects Certificates of Occupancy, no individual or family has the right to obstruct natural watercourses or 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.
The commissioner noted the flooding situation in Agungi and Ajiran is unique because the communities depend on a dedicated drainage channel that conveys stormwater through Chevron Drive into the Lagos Lagoon.
He warned that when drainage channels are blocked, residents ultimately bear the consequences through severe flooding, despite significant public investment in drainage infrastructure.
“You can imagine the level of flooding within the community, and eventually 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.
During the inspection, the commissioner also visited Megamond Estate in Ikota, where developers were found to have illegally reclaimed part of the Ikota River and commenced construction without obtaining the necessary environmental and drainage approvals adding that some developments had extended beyond the approvals granted by the state government.
He disclosed that enforcement and abatement notices had previously been served to the developers but were 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 infrastructures.
Wahab clarified that investigations confirmed that no application or approval had ever been granted for the development in question at Ikota, adding that enforcement would proceed without delay.
The commissioner also reiterated that all developments involving wetlands or water-related projects must comply strictly with environmental regulations before construction begins.
According to him, developers are required to obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and, where applicable, Wetland Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources before commencing any reclamation or construction activities.
He explained that the Environmental Impact Assessment is a fundamental requirement because it evaluates the potential effects of a proposed development on the surrounding ecosystem and determines appropriate mitigation measures.
Wahab added the ministry operates an integrated approval process, with close collaboration between the Office of Drainage Services and other relevant departments to ensure that drainage, environmental and wetland considerations are addressed before any approval is granted.
He lamented that many developers deliberately bypass these statutory requirements by commencing reclamation and construction without approvals, hoping to seek regularisation afterwards.
He stressed the government would continue removing all illegal reclamations and developments that violate environmental laws.
“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 also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the government by reporting environmental infractions.
“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.”
Wahab assured residents that the Lagos State Government remains fully committed to safeguarding lives, property and public infrastructure through strict enforcement of environmental laws and continuous investment in resilient drainage infrastructure.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Environment Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services Engr Mahamood Adegbite.
Others were the Managing Director LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Executive Secretary LASWARCO, Mrs. Adebukola Adeyemo, KAI Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole as well as Directors in the Ministry.
