Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate demolition of all illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and canal rights of way in the Agungi, Ajiran, and Ikota areas of Lekki as part of efforts to tackle perennial flooding and enforce environmental regulations across the state. The announcement was made on Sunday, June 28, 2026, by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, following an extensive inspection of critical drainage infrastructure and flood-prone locations in Lekki, Agungi, Ikota, and Ajiran.
Wahab disclosed that the inspection, which followed repeated reports of flooding in Agungi despite the completion of major drainage projects over two years ago, uncovered a major obstruction responsible for the persistent flooding in Ajiran. A land-owning family had illegally blocked the outlet of a primary drainage channel leading into the Lagos Lagoon, preventing stormwater from flowing freely out of the community. He explained that the drainage system was specifically designed to discharge floodwater by gravity into the lagoon and that blocking the outlet had significantly impaired its effectiveness. "We discovered that the outlet into the lagoon had been deliberately blocked. Without opening that channel, the water cannot leave the area. We have therefore directed that it be reopened immediately in the overriding public interest," Wahab said.
The commissioner stressed that while the government respects legitimate land ownership and Certificates of Occupancy, no individual or family has the right to obstruct natural waterways or public drainage infrastructure. He warned that residents ultimately suffer the consequences of illegal encroachments through severe flooding, despite significant public investment in drainage infrastructure. "No one is above the law; having title to land does not give anyone the authority to close a drainage channel or water body that serves thousands of residents. We are not taking anyone's land; we are simply restoring the channel to allow water flow into the lagoon," he stated. "You can imagine the level of flooding within the community, and eventually, the government gets blamed for inadequate infrastructure. Taxpayers' money is being used to construct and maintain these drainage channels. Residents should not make the situation worse by blocking them."
During the inspection, Wahab also visited Megamond Estate in Ikota, where developers were found to have illegally reclaimed part of the Ikota River and commenced construction without obtaining the required environmental and drainage approvals. Some developments had extended beyond the approvals earlier granted by the state government. He disclosed that enforcement and abatement notices had previously been served to the developers but were ignored. "From tomorrow morning, all illegal structures erected on reclaimed drainage alignments without approval in this estate will be removed. This action will send a clear message that Lagos will not tolerate encroachment on drainage channels or public infrastructure," he said.
Wahab clarified that investigations confirmed that no application or approval had ever been granted for the development in question at Ikota, adding that enforcement would proceed without delay. He reiterated that all developments involving wetlands or water-related projects must comply strictly with environmental regulations before construction begins. Developers are required to obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and, where applicable, Wetland Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources before commencing any reclamation or construction.
He also cautioned traditional landowning families against permitting developments that violate environmental regulations, noting that land ownership does not exempt anyone from complying with planning and environmental laws. The commissioner urged property owners to consider the long-term environmental consequences of indiscriminate reclamation and encroachment on wetlands. "We are not disputing your ownership. All we are saying is don't be irresponsible in the course of your ownership. Think of the future," he said.
The enforcement exercise, which is expected to begin on Monday, June 29, 2026, will involve reopening blocked drainage channels and removing all developments found to have encroached on drainage alignments, floodplains, and natural water channels. The commissioner warned that the government would continue removing illegal reclamations and developments that violate environmental laws, urging residents to report blocked drainage channels and other environmental infractions.
The move comes amid growing concerns over flooding in Lagos, particularly in the Lekki-Epe corridor, where the state government has invested heavily in drainage infrastructure. The National Economic Council (NEC) had earlier in June 2026 approved N83.2 billion to mitigate the impact of anticipated flooding and other climate-related emergencies across the country. The Lagos State Government's zero-tolerance approach signals a renewed commitment to protecting lives, property, and public assets from the devastating effects of flooding, which has become a recurring menace in Africa's most populous city.
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