Get Guardian on GoogleThe Lagos State government has ordered the demolition of structures built on the Ikota River, citing environmental degradation and encroachment.The directive was issued yesterday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of the area.
Wahab expressed concern over the activities of developers who had filled portions of the river and constructed buildings, thereby narrowing its width.
He stressed the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with regulations, adding that any reclamation work must be supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document to prevent disruption to the ecosystem and ensure proper drainage alignment.
The commissioner ordered the removal of affected structures and warned of further action should non-compliance occur. Developers were also instructed to cease ongoing construction, submit all necessary documents, and restore the river’s right of way.
Among the affected areas are 21 buildings in Oral Estate, eight in Westend Estate, and Megamond Estate, where reclamation work was reportedly being carried out without proper documentation.
Wahab advised residents of marked properties to vacate their homes, citing safety concerns for both the occupants and the ecosystem. Acknowledging the distress of affected residents, who lamented having nowhere to go, Wahab empathised with them, assuring that efforts would be made to strike a balance between enforcement and fairness.
He also urged developers to prioritise humanity over profit, emphasising the need to safeguard innocent buyers from the consequences of illegal construction.
