The Lagos State Government has demolished 17 illegal buildings in Oral Estate II, Lekki, as part of efforts to restore the Right of Way along the Ikota River and mitigate growing flood risks.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who led the inspection, condemned the encroachments, warning that private developers were narrowing river channels to create and sell plots, endangering surrounding communities.
“Flooding in Lagos can’t be eliminated but must be managed through responsible land use. Destroying wetlands and blocking drainage channels makes that impossible,” Wahab said.
Stop-work and seal orders were also issued at Partibons Homes Estate and Bee-Forth Estate Phase 2, where illegal reclamation activities were ongoing. Wahab noted that natural drainage systems like Channels 156 and 157, designed to direct stormwater to the Lagoon, have been compromised by unapproved developments.
The tour was conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation, ahead of the Green Rail Line project. Transportation Commissioner Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi noted that auto dealers encroaching on wetlands and powerline corridors along the Lekki-Epe Expressway had been served notices, stressing the importance of preserving infrastructure corridors.
Officials also visited the Agodogba Collector Drain project at Parkview Estate, which is expected to provide major flood relief once completed.
The state government has pledged continued enforcement to restore wetlands and protect Lagos’ long-term environmental and infrastructure plans.
