The Lagos State Government has announced plans to immediately remove all illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and canal rights of way in Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota as part of ongoing efforts to tackle perennial flooding across the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this after inspecting critical drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in Lekki, Agungi, Ikota and Ajiran following persistent reports of flooding in the area.
According to the Commissioner, the inspection revealed that a major drainage outlet in Ajiran leading into the Lagos Lagoon had been deliberately blocked by a land-owning family, preventing stormwater from flowing freely out of the community.
Wahab explained that the blocked outfall had significantly reduced the effectiveness of the drainage system, resulting in repeated flooding despite the government’s investment in drainage infrastructure.
“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.
He stressed that while the government respects legitimate land ownership and Certificates of Occupancy, no individual has the authority to obstruct public drainage infrastructure or natural waterways.
The Commissioner also inspected Megamond Estate in Ikota, where developers were found to have reclaimed part of the Ikota River and commenced construction without obtaining the required environmental and drainage approvals.
He disclosed that enforcement notices had previously been served on the developers but were ignored, adding that all illegal structures erected on reclaimed drainage alignments would be removed immediately.
Wahab reiterated that all developments involving wetlands, waterways and reclamation projects must obtain Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and, where necessary, Wetland Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources before construction begins.
He warned developers against bypassing statutory approval processes, stressing that the Lagos State Government would continue to demolish illegal structures and reclaim encroached drainage channels in the interest of public safety.
The Commissioner also urged residents to support the government’s flood control efforts by reporting environmental violations, noting that whistleblower information played a key role in uncovering the illegal activities.
He assured Lagosians that the state government remains committed to protecting lives, property and public infrastructure through strict enforcement of environmental laws and sustained investment in resilient drainage systems.
