The Lagos State Government has announced that it will commence the removal of stalls and shanties under the Apongbon Bridge and along the setback of the Bombata drainage channel on Lagos Island starting Tuesday 28th of January 2025
This follows the expiration of a 48-hour quit notice issued to traders last week.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Sunday during an inspection tour of the Bombata drainage channel around the Apongbon axis on Lagos Island.
Wahab stated that the removal of the shanties, which obstruct drainage channels, is in the best interest of all residents.
He explained that the visit was to assess traders’ compliance with the quit notice, following observations during last week’s inspection that the setbacks of the Bombata and Alagbafo collectors had been converted into shops, causing complete blockage of the drainage systems.
“We came to ascertain the level of compliance with the abatement notices served on Thursday because statutorily we have fulfilled what is required according to the law and this will be followed by enforcement activities on Tuesday,” Wahab said.
The commissioner emphasized that the enforcement would involve removing extensions that hinder public infrastructure within the drainage channels. However, buildings not erected on drainage alignments would not be affected.
He noted that the government has observed a pattern of noncompliance with laws and warned that stall owners and traders planning to return to cleared setbacks would not be allowed.
To ensure sustainability, LASPARK will immediately take over the cleared spaces for beautification and maintenance.
Wahab also expressed concern about contractors dumping building materials on constructed drains, disrupting the free flow of stormwater.
He instructed that buildings under construction, particularly in areas such as Oke-Arin, Abibu-Oki, and around Ebute Ero Market, be sealed if construction materials are found obstructing roads. The materials must be removed before such sites are reopened.
He stated that the Ministry would adopt a combination of advocacy and enforcement to address environmental violations.
“We will use the the carrot and stick approach, appeal to people to align with our reasoning; we know that some people will be recalcitrant and these ones will be made examples for others to learn from,” he Wahab.
The commissioner urged residents to prioritize environmental protection and warned that the government would not tolerate actions that degrade the environment.
“People must learn to protect the environment and remember that the government will not fold its arms and watch the environment destroyed; the wheels of judgement may be slow but will definitely grind to a halt one day,” he added
