The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to remove illegal structures and shanties across the metropolis, with recent enforcement actions at Costain Bus Stop and the Ijora under-bridge area. This operation led to the removal of unauthorized traders, makeshift structures, and other environmental violations.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, stated that the initiative is aimed at reclaiming public spaces taken over by squatters and criminal elements. He noted, “After clearing Costain under the bridge last week, we discovered that the bus stop and lay-bys for commercial buses had been overtaken by shanties.”
The inter-agency operation involved officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the Nigeria Police Force. During the clearance, the team uncovered a locally made firearm and other items linked to criminal activities, highlighting safety concerns in the area.
Giwa emphasized the need for law and order, aligning the operation with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader strategy to restore safety and sanity across Lagos. He reassured that this operation would be continuous, addressing the rising pressure on infrastructure due to the influx of people attracted to the city.
Plans are also in place to collaborate with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to prevent encroachment along railway corridors. Giwa emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations, stating, “We are human beings, and there must be respect for human dignity.”
He cautioned potential migrants against relocating to Lagos without proper planning, stressing the importance of having a place to stay before moving to the city.
