The Lagos State Government has announced a 48-hour ultimatum for traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and along drainage setbacks in Lagos Island to vacate the affected areas. This directive is part of the state’s urban regeneration initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and addressing environmental challenges.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata Drainage Channel. He emphasized the negative impact of human activities on the environment, leading to flooding and posing risks to lives and property.
Wahab stated that shop and stall owners would receive abatement notices, and that the state would take enforcement action if compliance is not achieved. He expressed dissatisfaction with the illegal conversion of spaces under the bridge into livestock markets and ordered immediate relocation of traders to designated areas.
“What we saw is not something that we are happy about. People have fully built on setback and drainage channels, and when you build structures on these infrastructure, how do you expect these infrastructure to be maintained?” Wahab remarked.
In addition to clearing traders, the government sealed two buildings on Alakoro Martins Street and in Ebute Ero Market for illegally stacking materials on drainage systems. Offenders must remove the blockages and restore the drainage system before the buildings can be unsealed.
Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to working with local authorities to enforce environmental laws and maintain market spaces. He also called for public cooperation in preserving infrastructure and preventing illegal activities.
The inspection covered several areas, including Savage Lane, Cole Street, and Apongbon Underbridge, with officials from the Ministry of Environment and other agencies in attendance.
