The Lagos State Government has marked 39 buildings for demolition in Eti-Osa Local Government Area following what it described as illegal encroachment on the Right of Way (RoW) of the Ikota River.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this announcement on Thursday during an inspection tour of the affected drainage paths. He said the decision was made after numerous complaints and a digital review of the river’s original alignment showed significant obstruction by recent constructions.
According to Wahab, the properties marked for demolition are located within Oral Extension Estate, Westend Estate, and Mega Mond Estate in the Lekki axis of the state.
“We received several complaints and have been on this matter for a while. While trying to find a peaceful solution, some developers continued to push back the Right of Way and alter the river’s natural path, which worsens the flooding risk in this area,” Wahab said.
The Commissioner explained that the state had conducted digital mapping of the river, which revealed alarming levels of encroachment. He noted that 18 buildings will be totally demolished, eight partially removed, and 13 others completely brought down after the canal.
Wahab issued indefinite quit notices to all affected occupants, urging them to relocate immediately and remove their belongings. “The notice is not timed. Just begin to move your things now before the machines come in,” he said.
The state is taking the action as part of its wider effort to prevent flooding, especially during the rainy season. Wahab stressed that money must not be placed above human lives, criticizing developers for building in restricted zones while pretending to negotiate with the government.
“It is painful, especially for the tenants who are victims in all this, but we must act in the interest of public safety. Developers cannot keep putting lives at risk for profit,” he said.
The Commissioner also visited Westend Estate, where he discovered ongoing illegal sand-filling and reclamation beyond approved limits. He warned that the government would not tolerate further violations, adding that developers must provide Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and other necessary approvals for such projects.
“We’ve asked them to stop pushing sand and submit all the necessary documents. If they don’t comply, the government will act swiftly,” Wahab added.
He emphasized that the demolition exercise was not intended to cause hardship but to protect lives and properties from flooding and environmental disasters. “There must be a balance between human development and environmental safety,” he concluded.
The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to clear drainage systems and reclaim encroached waterways as part of broader flood prevention and climate resilience strategies. Many residents, especially in high-risk areas like Lekki, have been warned to avoid acquiring or constructing buildings on drainage channels or water paths.
