Lagos cracks down on illegal traders as drainage projects near completion

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to traders illegally occupying spaces under key infrastructure, including Idumagbo Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge (Oja Oba/Adeniji Adele), as it intensifies efforts to combat flooding through major drainage projects.

The announcement follows an inspection led by Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, which revealed significant progress in the state’s flood prevention initiatives.

Wahab highlighted the ongoing construction of the Onikoyi/Turnbull collector, linking Banana Island and Park View Estate, which is set to eliminate flooding in these areas upon completion.

He said the state is also expanding street drains into major collectors to manage increased runoff, particularly in flood-prone Banana Island.

However, Wahab said the return of traders to previously cleared areas under critical infrastructure threatens these efforts.

“Let me be clear: we cannot prioritize unregulated commerce over safety,” Wahab declared.

“These infrastructures are not markets; they are flood prevention assets.”

He warned that traders who ignore repeated directives risk contributing to potential disasters, only to blame the government later.

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has approved plans to transform these spaces into regulated parks, but until then, all illegal trading must cease.

Wahab emphasized that compliance from citizens is non-negotiable for the success of Lagos’ resilient infrastructure projects.

“Lagos will keep building to protect our communities, but we need everyone to respect these efforts,” he stated.