Lagos issues last notice before demolishing Lekki structures in drainage drive

The Lagos State Government has extended its removal notice to residents and property owners on the Ikota River setback.

The government granted  additional time to vacate and remove valuables ahead of the planned restoration of the drainage Right of Way (ROW).

The extension followed pleas from affected homeowners after the expiration of earlier contravention notices.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Thursday during an inspection tour of the affected areas, which include Oral, Westend, and parts of Megamound Estates in Lekki.

Wahab explained that despite multiple warnings, some developers had continued to sand-fill and encroach further into the river’s ROW.

He said the government has satellite evidence of the original boundaries and found widespread encroachment during the visit.

While emphasising the need for flood prevention and proper drainage, Wahab said the government was taking a humane approach by allowing families more time to relocate.

He added that walls are currently being poked to mark the start of the demolition process and send a clear signal of enforcement readiness.

At Oral Estate, the level of encroachment was found to be worse than during last year’s inspection, with some developers continuing reclamation work without the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Drainage Clearance.

“Any reclamation must first undergo an EIA to ensure it doesn’t interfere with drainage alignment or the ecosystem. Most of these developers have ignored that,” Wahab said, ordering the immediate suspension of ongoing reclamation at Lekki County Estate.

He revealed that 18 structures are affected in Oral Estate, 13 in Lekki County, and 8 in Westend Estate, clarifying that only those within the river corridor would be demolished.

While acknowledging that many affected residents are not in dispute over the violations, Wahab said the state aims to balance enforcement with empathy.

“We don’t want to disrupt the lives of innocent homeowners and families because of the selfish actions of developers,” he noted.