LAGOS/Nigeria: In a bid to uphold urban planning regulations and tackle the proliferation of illegal structures, the Lagos State Government initiated the removal of unauthorized shanties and structures along the Lagos Coastal road at Maiyegun Estate by Jakande in the Lekki area of the state. The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who emphasized the government’s commitment to urban regeneration during his visit to the enforcement site.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Wahab stressed the importance of residents complying with town planning laws to facilitate proper regeneration efforts. He underscored the necessity of reclaiming various sites across the state to prevent the emergence of environmental slums within urban areas.
“The regeneration of the state will align with the Lagos State development plan,” Wahab stated, highlighting ongoing demolition exercises in other parts of the state such as Ijora under bridge, Obalende under bridge, and Orile. He emphasized that any attempt to deviate from the state’s urban development plan would not be tolerated, asserting, “Lagos must not become a jungle.”
Prior to the commencement of enforcement activities, the state government conducted an inventory of legally documented buildings, which were identified and exempted from demolition. Wahab clarified that the government had been engaging occupants of illegal shanties and squatters near the Regional Road alignment since 2022, urging them to vacate the area due to safety concerns posed by dilapidated structures.
Expressing concern over the presence of undocumented residents, Wahab highlighted the challenges faced by the government in providing social amenities for individuals not registered with the Lagos State Residents of America Registration Agency (LASRRA). He emphasized that illegal structures not only disrupt urban planning but also serve as havens for criminal activities and destitute individuals.
Refuting allegations of inadequate relocation notices, Wahab recalled the recent issuance of a four-day relocation notice to squatters occupying illegal shanties along the Lagos coastal road in Mayegun, Lekki. He dismissed claims of misinformation, asserting the government’s commitment to transparent and lawful enforcement procedures.
