The Lagos State Government stood firm in its commitment not to exercise selective application of the law during the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in Lekki Phase II and its vicinity.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, addressed this matter in Lagos on Saturday, emphasizing the state’s dedication to ensuring equal justice and fairness for all. Wahab found himself surrounded by pleading occupants and owners of fully constructed structures that encroached upon drainage setbacks and had already been earmarked for demolition. He asserted that halting the demolition process would constitute a double standard.
The commissioner noted that the demolished duplexes were situated along the same drainage setback alignment as those awaiting removal. He stressed that the state was resolutely committed to reclaiming its drainage setbacks and restoring the area’s master plan.
Wahab expressed regret that the government had to make the tough decision to tear down these fully built structures to facilitate the free flow of stormwater. He pointed out that the owners of the structures demolished in Ikota were aware of their violations of the law.
The commissioner disclosed that the owners had been engaged with the ministry since 2020, even when most of the structures were still at the foundation stage, and several notices had been served.
He went on to say, “The level of encroachments at Ikota is simply unimaginable; people have built on the canal path, and we resolved that these nuisances cannot be allowed to continue; it just had to stop.” Wahab recounted his recent visit to the Ikota site, where he personally met with the owners of the structures scheduled for demolition. He advised them to vacate their buildings before the demolition process reached their area because no amount of pleading would prevent the exercise.
“We have surveyed the area, and we have concluded that all houses on the canal path and those on the canal itself must be removed, and the path restored to discharge into Ikota River,” he emphasized.
The commissioner also inspected Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Lekki, where some homeowners had extended their approved plots beyond the designated five meters buffer zone of VGC. These extensions would be removed to ensure unimpeded water flow into the lagoon.
“We cannot be brazen in our illegality and be brazen in our nonchalant attitude to the environment; it has to end; illegality cannot beget legality,” Wahab declared.
He noted that the government had previously relied on advocacy but that people had not changed their behavior. Therefore, enforcement actions were necessary to rectify the situation.
Wahab urged homeowners to obtain drainage approvals, in addition to other necessary permits, before commencing building projects to avoid facing similar consequences.
“This enforcement will be an ongoing effort; individuals cannot blame the government for the consequences of their actions; any harm to the environment will ultimately come back to haunt them,” he cautioned.
