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Lagos State Government Issues 48-Hour Relocation Notice to Illegal Stall Owners

…Tokunbo Wahab vows to restore environmental order on Lagos Island

by Babajide Fadoju

The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders operating illegally under the Apongbon Bridge and on drainage setbacks around Lagos Island. This announcement comes as part of the government’s ongoing urban regeneration efforts to combat flooding and restore environmental order in the area.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel in the Olowogbowo and Apongbon axis of Lagos Island on Thursday. According to Wahab, illegal activities in the area, including trading and livestock operations on critical drainage channels, significantly contribute to flooding and threaten lives and property.

“These drainage channels were not initially included in the Lagos Island regeneration project, but the illegal stalls and structures here are a massive hindrance to the success of this initiative,” Wahab stated. “We have served abatement notices to all illegal occupants, and if compliance is not met within 48 hours, enforcement will follow.”

The Commissioner highlighted that some traders had turned the area under Apongbon Bridge into a livestock market, exacerbating the blockage of drainage channels. He ordered their immediate relocation to designated markets to ensure proper maintenance of public infrastructure.

Clampdown on Illegal Activities

During the inspection, Wahab observed that setbacks and drainage channels had been fully built upon by traders and developers, a situation he described as unacceptable. “People have abused these public infrastructures by converting them into private spaces. We cannot allow this to continue. These setbacks and channels must remain clear for maintenance and to prevent flooding,” he said.

He also announced the sealing of two buildings under construction at Alakoro Martins Street and Ebute Ero Market for dumping building materials into drainage systems. “This is illegal. Such offenders will be required to remove the materials and clean the drainage systems before their sites are unsealed,” he warned.

Collaborative Efforts and Advocacy

Wahab emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state government, local governments, and residents in maintaining environmental standards. He called on market operators to ensure that traders use designated spaces and adhere to environmental laws. “The Local Governments are key stakeholders, but they must ensure that their actions align with the state’s environmental guidelines,” he noted.

The Commissioner also reassured Lagosians that the state would intensify advocacy, enforcement, and enlightenment to ensure the protection of the environment. “While we prioritize advocacy and enlightenment, we won’t hesitate to wield the big stick against recalcitrant individuals who continue to flout the law,” he said.

Ongoing Reforms

Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to phasing out environmentally harmful practices, including the ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics. He reported a 92% compliance rate with the Styrofoam ban and promised stricter enforcement in the coming months.

The inspection team included the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; and other senior officials from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

The tour covered areas such as Savage/Elegbata drainage channel, Cole Street, George Street, Abu Lane, Apongbon underbridge, and Ebute Ero/Alakoro Martins drains.

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