The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has removed car dealers and property owners who had occupied wetlands and parts of the Green Line rail corridor stretching from Lekki to Chevron, following the expiration of a two-week eviction notice.
According to findings, the development took place on Saturday during a routine inspection led by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, alongside journalists. The exercise was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to manage flooding and protect natural drainage channels across the state.
The enforcement followed weeks after the Federal Government warned that Lagos and 12 other states were likely to experience heavy flooding in September — a prediction that came true as several parts of Lagos were submerged, causing severe traffic and property damage.
Saturday’s inspection, according to on-the-ground findings, focused on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, preserving flood channels, and aligning construction activities with the state’s master plan.
Speaking during the inspection of the Lekki corridor, Wahab said the operation became necessary after investigations revealed that several car owners and dealers had encroached on wetlands meant to absorb stormwater during heavy rains.
He said, “We had a major rainfall in September that caused flash flooding along this stretch. When we flew drones, we discovered that the wetland areas, where coconuts were initially planted, had been badly encroached upon. So, we served notices on September 26.”
Wahab explained that the illegal activities not only disrupted the wetland ecosystem but also posed risks to the proposed Green Line Rail Project and nearby power installations.
He said, “My colleague from the Ministry of Transport has a project called the Green Line running through this corridor. We have asked those encroaching to leave immediately. We are working together to preserve the wetland while ensuring the rail project proceeds as planned.”
The commissioner added that enforcement began after the expiration of the notice, emphasizing that the government would not compromise on public safety and environmental integrity.
“Imagine if any of these high-tension cables fall; people will blame the government, forgetting they were encroached and built under dangerous lines.
“We’ve told car owners to move their vehicles immediately. The drone images clearly show how far they’ve encroached,” he said.
Also speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who joined the team, said car dealers were only granted temporary approval to use parts of the powerline area and were not permitted to build permanent structures.
He said, “The Green Line project will begin in December. We’ve met with all stakeholders. Some car dealers were given temporary approval to use the space, but they violated the terms by building structures and encroaching on wetlands. Those who broke the rules must vacate immediately.”
While inspecting one of the affected estates in Ikota, Wahab expressed disappointment over the disregard for environmental regulations.
He said, “It is heartbreaking to see people deliberately destroy the ecosystem for personal gain, knowing nature will fight back.
“We received reports months ago that some people were trying to reclaim the Ikota River and narrow it. We stopped them, but they resumed secretly. We are now removing all illegal structures and will prosecute those responsible.”
Wahab noted that while flooding cannot be completely prevented in a coastal city like Lagos, it can be controlled through effective planning and infrastructure maintenance.
He said, “Flooding can’t be stopped in a coastal state like Lagos, but we can reduce its impact by providing resilient infrastructure.
“This government is doing that diligently — opening new drainage channels, maintaining existing ones, and clearing illegal obstructions.”
The commissioner lamented that some residents continued to build beyond approved setbacks despite repeated warnings.
“If we have served you notices and held meetings, but you still choose to defy the law, what should we do?” he asked.
“We can’t allow a few people’s negligence to endanger the majority through flooding. Enforcement is necessary when dialogue fails,” Wahab added.
The team also inspected an underground drainage project at Agodogba, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, designed to reduce flooding in the Victoria Island axis.
He said, “We are laying underground drainage that connects to the lagoon. Once completed, it will help deflood the area significantly. About 80 per cent of the work is done, and we expect completion by December or January.
“This is a coastal area, so occasional flash floods may occur after heavy rains, but with this project and others across the state, we’ll keep flooding to the barest minimum,” he added.
A recent report by a national daily on October 5, citing data from the Federal Ministry of Environment, revealed that at least 339,658 people have been affected by floods across Nigeria this year, with 681 others injured.
Wahab reaffirmed that the Lagos State Government remains committed to environmental protection, strict enforcement of planning laws, and reducing the impact of future flooding on lives and property.
Advertisement
