The Lagos State Government has extended its final warning to homeowners and residents along the Ikota River setback, urging them to vacate the area and remove valuables before demolition of illegal structures begins.
EpeInsights reports that this comes as part of an intensified effort to restore the drainage right of way and tackle the persistent flooding challenges in parts of Lekki, particularly around Oral, Westend, Megamound, and Lekki County Estates.
During an inspection tour on Thursday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced that the state had begun marking or “poking” fences and walls that encroach on the Ikota River setback. He said this action serves as a clear signal of the government’s intention to reclaim the space.
Wahab explained that several developers and homeowners have illegally expanded their properties by sandfilling and pushing into the natural river path, a practice that has worsened drainage and increased flood risk in the area.
“While some residents have been engaging us to find a workable solution, others have gone ahead with more sandfilling,” Wahab said.
“The government has a full digital record of the river’s path, and what we’ve seen on this tour is concerning.”
In response to pleas from affected homeowners — many of whom are families — the government has offered extra time for residents to relocate and protect their belongings.
“We told our team to hold off on full demolition for now,” Wahab added.
“These are family homes. People have children in school. It’s only fair they get the time to prepare.”
The Commissioner acknowledged that many of the affected property owners bought homes in good faith, often unaware of violations committed by developers. He stressed the need to hold developers accountable, not punish innocent buyers.
Wahab also addressed ongoing reclamation activities in Lekki County, warning that such projects require proper documentation including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Drainage Clearance which many developers have failed to obtain.
“Without an EIA, you’re risking severe environmental damage. These regulations exist to protect both the people and the ecosystem,” he said, ordering all illegal reclamation activities in the area to stop immediately.
About 39 properties have been identified as encroaching on the Ikota River, including 18 in Oral Estate, 13 in Lekki County, and 8 in Westend Estate.
Wahab assured residents that only those directly within the river path will be removed.
“We’re not putting money before humanity,” he emphasized.
“But we must act before the next rainy season causes even more damage.”
The Commissioner was joined on the tour by key officials from the Ministry of Environment, including the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; and the GM of LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi.
