The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to applying the law fairly in the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in Lekki Phase II and its neighboring areas.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, emphasized that the government is dedicated to ensuring equal justice for all.
Despite appeals from occupants and owners of fully constructed structures on drainage setbacks marked for demolition, Wahab stressed that suspending the demolition would create a double standard. He clarified that the demolished duplexes shared the same alignment with those structures that were yet to be removed.
Wahab underscored the government’s resolute intention to recover drainage setbacks and reinstate the region’s master plan. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the decision to dismantle fully constructed structures to facilitate proper stormwater management.
The commissioner noted that owners of the structures in Ikota had been aware of their legal infringements since 2020 when many buildings were at their foundation stages, and several notices were issued.
The level of encroachment in Ikota was deemed unacceptable, with buildings encroaching on the canal path. The government decided to halt these infractions and restore the canal’s path to enable effective discharge into Ikota River.
Wahab advised the owners of structures yet to be demolished to vacate their properties, as the demolition would proceed as planned.
In addition, Wahab visited Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Lekki, where some homeowners had extended their approved plots beyond the five-meter buffer zone of VGC. These extensions would also be removed to ensure proper water flow into the lagoon.
The commissioner stressed that the government had initially focused on advocacy, but as people continued to flout regulations, enforcement actions became necessary. He urged homeowners to obtain drainage approvals and other necessary permits before commencing their construction projects to avoid such situations. This enforcement will be an ongoing effort, as actions harming the environment would inevitably have consequences.
