Lagos State Government Demolishes 39 Illegal Buildings in Ikota Estate to Tackle Flooding and Setback Violations
The Lagos State Government has commenced the demolition of 39 buildings in Ikota Estate, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, following the expiration of a quit notice issued to property owners who encroached on drainage setbacks. The enforcement, led by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, forms part of the state’s broader flood mitigation and urban renewal strategy.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who supervised the operation, said the affected structures violated physical planning regulations by obstructing drainage channels and waterways. He explained that such encroachments have worsened flooding across several Lagos communities, undermining government investments in flood control infrastructure.
Wahab reiterated that the state government would not compromise environmental standards or tolerate illegal developments, regardless of property value or ownership status. “Residents must desist from construction activities that threaten public safety and the environment,” he stated.
He also dismissed reports of alleged extortion by enforcement officials, noting that the demolition exercise followed due process. “No amount of inducement will stop enforcement,” Wahab added. “Our priority is to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and the ecosystem.”
Balancing Urban Growth and Environmental Resilience
Lagos, a coastal megacity with low-lying topography, experiences recurrent flooding driven by rapid urbanisation, poor drainage maintenance, and encroachments on natural water paths. The state government has, in recent years, stepped up enforcement actions across Eti-Osa, Lekki, and other high-risk zones to restore drainage alignment and reduce flood vulnerability.
According to environmental analysts, the demolitions signal a stricter stance by the Sanwo-Olu administration on compliance, especially in upscale developments where environmental laws have historically been disregarded. The government has also intensified public sensitisation campaigns to promote responsible urban development and discourage unapproved construction.
Lagos, a coastal megacity with low-lying topography, experiences recurrent flooding driven by rapid urbanisation, poor drainage maintenance, and encroachments on natural water paths. The state government has, in recent years, stepped up enforcement actions across Eti-Osa, Lekki, and other high-risk zones to restore drainage alignment and reduce flood vulnerability.
According to environmental analysts, the demolitions signal a stricter stance by the Sanwo-Olu administration on compliance, especially in upscale developments where ecological laws have historically been disregarded. The government has also intensified public sensitization campaigns to promote responsible urban development and discourage unapproved construction.
Infrastructure and Transport Development in Focus
In a related development, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced that construction of the Lagos Green Line Rail project linking Marina to Epe is scheduled to begin in December. He noted that the rail initiative aligns with the state’s long-term urban transport master plan and complements ongoing efforts to improve environmental management and sustainable mobility.
Osiyemi emphasised that the government’s infrastructure drive must coexist with strict environmental protection measures, particularly in coastal and wetland zones. “Urban development and ecological preservation must progress together,” he said.
