The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and along drainage setbacks in the Lagos Island area to vacate their premises.
This directive was announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata Bombata Drainage channel in the Olowogbowo/Apongbon axis on Thursday.
Wahab, speaking to journalists after the inspection, expressed dismay at the state of the area, where traders had encroached on drainage setbacks and converted spaces under the bridge into markets and livestock ranches.
“What we saw is unacceptable. People have built fully on setback and drainage channels, and when you obstruct these infrastructures, how do you expect them to function properly?” Wahab asked.
In a statement released by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina, Wahab confirmed that notices of abatement had been served to the traders, with a warning that enforcement would follow if the directive was not complied with.
“This is part of the ongoing Lagos Island urban regeneration project,” Wahab stated.
“We will clear these infractions, ensure maintenance work continues, and revisit the drainage contract to accommodate key collectors for effective water management.”
He also ordered the immediate relocation of livestock traders under the bridge to designated markets, emphasizing the environmental hazards posed by such activities.
In addition, Wahab directed the sealing of two buildings in the area for illegally stacking building materials on drainage systems.
“These materials block the drainage and disrupt its functionality. The offenders will be required to clear the drains and remove their materials before the buildings are unsealed,” he added.
Responding to concerns raised by the Lagos State House of Assembly regarding the theft of manhole covers,
Wahab assured that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, was working to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
