LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has declared that it will permanently enforce the removal of illegal shanties on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, warning that offenders will be prosecuted for violating environmental and urban planning laws.
The state government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the expressway is free of illegal structures that have become hideouts for criminal elements and contributed to environmental degradation. Officials described the shanties as a blight on the landscape and a threat to public safety.
The enforcement operation, which is expected to be sustained, will involve the demolition of all illegal structures along the corridor. The government has also warned that any person found erecting new shanties or obstructing the enforcement exercise will face legal consequences. The Lagos State Government has the mandate to ensure that all residents comply with the state’s environmental and urban planning laws.
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway is a major road connecting Lagos to the border town of Badagry and serves as a gateway to neighbouring Benin Republic. The presence of shanties along the route has been a source of concern for motorists and residents, who have called on the government to take decisive action.
The government has urged residents and traders to relocate to designated markets and trading zones to avoid disruption to their businesses and to comply with state laws. The enforcement team has also advised motorists and commuters to cooperate with officials to ensure a smooth and orderly exercise.
The move is part of a series of enforcement actions by the Lagos State Government to address the challenges posed by illegal structures and encroachments on public spaces. In recent months, the government has intensified efforts to clear major roads and highways of obstructions to improve traffic flow and enhance public safety.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all commercial activities are conducted in designated areas to maintain order and protect the rights of residents and commuters. The government has also appealed to traders and residents to comply with the laws and regulations governing the use of public spaces.
As the enforcement operation gets underway, the message from the Lagos State Government is clear: the rule of law must be upheld, and public spaces must be preserved for their intended purposes. The government has also called on residents to report any violations of the law to the appropriate authorities.
