Lagos Demolishes Buildings Encroaching Ikota River, Restores Drainage Alignment!

Lagos Demolishes Buildings Encroaching Ikota River, Restores Drainage Alignment!

Reported by Marian opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Lagos State Government has commenced demolition of structures blocking the Ikota River in Eti‑Osa Local Government Area, citing violation of urban planning laws, obstruction of drainage routes, and environmental degradation.

What’s Happening & Where

• Demolitions are underway in Oral Estate,Megamond Estate, and Westend Estate — parts of the Lekki corridor — targeting properties that encroached on the Right of Way (RoW) and altered the river’s alignment. [1]
• Prior to demolition, 39 buildings were marked for removal: of these, 20 were set for full demolition, 8 for partial removal, and 13 at Westend Estate targeted for complete removal. [2]
• The State issued quit notices, encouraging residents to vacate and relocate possessions before enforcement begins. [2]
  Government Justification & Intention
• According to Commissioner for Environment & Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab, many developers ignored prior warnings and continued to push RoW boundaries, erecting structures that constrict the natural flow of floodwater. [2]
• Wahab asserted that any reclamation efforts or construction must comply with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) standards, drainage clearance documentation, and proper alignment protocols. [2]
• The move forms part of Lagos’s broader flood mitigation drive, with the government also reporting that 1,141 illegal structures along drainage channels have been removed across the state in the past year. [3]

Citations:

1. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/lagos-orders-demolition-of-28-structures-encroaching-on-ikota-river/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/ikota-river-encroachment-lagos-marks-39-buildings-for-demolition-issues-quit-notices/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/flood-free-lagos-govt-demolishes-1141-illegal-structures-along-drainage-right-of-way/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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