Lagos State Government to enforce stalls, shanty removals on Tuesday

On Sunday, the Lagos State Government announced that the full enforcement of stall and shanty removals will begin on Tuesday.

This action follows the expiration of a 48-hour quit notice issued to stall owners last week.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, shared this update while speaking with reporters at Ebute-Ero after inspecting the Savage/Elegbata Bombata Drainage channel.

Wahab emphasized the necessity of removing shanties obstructing drainage channels for the benefit of all residents.

He noted that state officials conducted the inspection to evaluate compliance with the quit notice.

Last week, it was found that the setbacks of two critical drainage collectors had been converted into shops, leading to significant blockages.

“We aimed to assess compliance regarding the abatement notices served last Thursday,” Wahab explained.

He added that enforcement activities would follow on Tuesday, ensuring legal requirements are met.

The enforcement will involve removing any extensions that hinder public infrastructure within drainage channels, while buildings not on drainage alignments will remain untouched.

The Commissioner acknowledged that many individuals resist obeying regulations.

Stall owners planning to return to cleared areas will face restrictions, as LASPARK will immediately take over these spaces for maintenance and beautification.

Furthermore, he criticized contractors who dump building materials in drains, disrupting stormwater flow.

“Contractors often leave materials on roads and drainage channels, damaging infrastructure while blaming the government,” Wahab stated.

He announced plans to seal off buildings under construction that obstruct roads and drainage near Oke-Arin and Ebute Ero market.

“Remove materials before reopening.”

Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to advocacy and law enforcement, stating, “For those who defy regulations, legal consequences will serve as examples.”

He outlined a dual approach, combining appeals with enforcement to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

Bello acknowledged the challenge of detecting all infractions simultaneously, urging citizens to act as whistle-blowers.

He stressed the importance of protecting the environment and warned that the government would not tolerate environmental destruction.

“Justice may be slow, but it will ultimately prevail,” he affirmed.

Accompanying the Commissioner were notable officials, including Special Adviser on Environment Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu and Permanent Secretary of Drainage Services Engr. Mahamood Adegbite.

The inspection covered various locations, including the Savage/Elegbata Drainage channel and Ebute Ero/Okearin/Alakoro Martins drains collector.

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