The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing and restoring the right-of-way on all drainage channels across the state. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during an on-site inspection of key drainage systems on Wednesday.
Wahab emphasized the government’s determination to correct environmental infractions that have disrupted the state’s landscape, particularly those contributing to flooding. He noted that contracts have been awarded for critical restoration projects in areas like Ishashi and Oke-Odan, where illegal structures have been erected on drainage channels.
“The government has issued contracts for the restoration of critical infrastructure in areas like Ishashi and Oke-Odan, where individuals have deliberately constructed on drainage channels. Enforcement will begin soon, as notices have already been served,” Wahab said.
Enforcement is set to start on Thursday, September 5, as the deadline for compliance has passed. Wahab highlighted that certain residents in Ojo Local Government Area had built structures on the System 40 drainage channel, significantly narrowing the waterway and causing frequent flooding in the area. He stressed that the government would not relent in ensuring that the required seven-meter drainage setback is restored on all channels. For the Alaba International Market outfall, a 15-meter setback will be enforced, though local representatives, including House of Assembly member Mr. Olusegun Ege, have advocated for a reduction to 10 meters.
Wahab stated, “We are not stepping back. The weather has been favorable, so we will move swiftly to restore the drainage systems and reclaim public infrastructure. City development requires deliberate planning, and enforcement is a critical part of that process.”
The commissioner also mentioned that the ministry has been proactive in engaging the public through sensitization and advocacy, but enforcement will proceed where necessary. He urged developers and homeowners across Lagos to avoid encroaching on public infrastructure, warning that the government will eventually reclaim any such encroachments.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, expressed concern over the actions of some developers and business owners who have illegally converted drainage paths into buildable land. He warned that such practices put neighboring properties at risk and encouraged residents to support government efforts to make Lagos a safe, clean, and flood-free city.
Chief Nnamdi Amajioyi, President-General of Alaba International Market, expressed the market’s willingness to cooperate with state authorities to resolve flooding issues, saying, “We face challenges whenever it rains, but I believe that if we follow the ministry’s guidance, flooding will soon be a thing of the past.”
The inspection tour included key locations such as the Isheri/Aiyetoro/Ologe Primary Channel in Ishashi, Ojo Town, Alaba Rago Primary Channel, Alaba International Market, and Ojo Local Government Area. State officials, including the Permanent Secretary for the Office of Drainage Services, Mr. Mahamood Adegbite, were also in attendance.
