The Lagos State Government has demolished several duplexes and other structures along the Ikota River in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area due to violations of urban planning laws and obstruction of natural drainage channels. This demolition, carried out by the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Department, aims to address chronic flooding issues in the Lekki and Ikota areas.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the operation on September 26, stating it targeted buildings obstructing the flow of stormwater along the Ikota River. Wahab noted that the enforcement intensified on September 30, resulting in the demolition of properties valued at millions of naira.
The affected buildings were reported to have violated urban planning regulations and missed a building regularization amnesty that had expired. Following heavy rainfall on September 25, which caused flooding in parts of Ikota and Lekki, the operation highlighted the critical issue of blocked drainage channels.
Some residents expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the building permit approval process, stating they were not adequately informed prior to the demolition. However, authorities maintained that proper notices were issued and that illegal constructions obstructing waterways would continue to be removed to protect lives and property.
This demolition follows earlier reports that the Lagos State Building Control Agency had begun removing illegal structures across the state after the expiration of an amnesty period granted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The grace period was extended to December 31, 2024, to allow property owners to regularize their building documents.
