LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the restoration of the right-of-way for all drainage channels across the state, signaling a firm stance on flood control and environmental management.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during an on-the-spot assessment of several drainage channels. He emphasized that the state is resolute in addressing the various infractions that have disrupted the city’s drainage systems, which have exacerbated flooding in key areas.
“We are determined to restore the environment from all sorts of infractions that have altered the landscape,” Wahab stated. “The government has awarded contracts for the restoration of key drainage systems in the Isashi and Oke-Odan areas, where we have seen intentional construction on drainage channels.”
According to Wahab, contravention notices have already been issued to individuals who have built on the drainage channels, and enforcement of these notices will begin immediately. The commissioner stressed that the government would not hesitate to take legal action to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
He further noted that some residents and businesses had constructed buildings along System 40 drainage channels in the Ojo Local Government Area, leading to severe flooding in the region. The government plans to restore a seven-meter setback on all drainage channels and enforce the 15-meter drainage right-of-way standard at the Alaba International Market outfall. However, Hon. Olusegun Ege, a member of the State House of Assembly, advocated for a reduced setback of less than 10 meters during the tour.
“We are not dropping the ball. The weather has been favorable, and we have no excuse not to move to the site, clean the drains, and restore the right-of-way,” Wahab added. “Development in any city requires deliberate planning, and we will enforce the necessary steps to safeguard public infrastructure.”
He also revealed that the ministry has conducted extensive sensitization and advocacy campaigns, but enforcement will continue where necessary to uphold the law. Wahab advised developers and homeowners across Lagos to avoid encroaching on public infrastructure, warning that government action is inevitable.
Echoing Wahab’s stance, the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, lamented the harmful practices of some developers and business owners who have converted drainage right-of-ways into private land. He explained that such actions endanger neighboring properties and undermine efforts to make Lagos flood-free.
The President-General of Alaba International Market, Chief Nnamdi Amajioyi, also pledged cooperation with the government, acknowledging that flooding has been a persistent issue for businesses in the market.
“We face challenges whenever it rains, but I believe following the ministry’s plan will solve this problem,” Amajioyi said.
Wahab was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr. Mahamood Adegbite, as well as heads of agencies and directors.
The inspection covered key flood-prone areas, including the Isheri/Aiyetoro/Ologe Primary Channel, Oke-Odan Street in Ishashi, Ojo Town, and the System 40 drainage channel at Alaba International Market.
