Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, inspects illegal developments on the Ikota River during a site tour in Lagos.
The Lagos State Government has ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on the Ikota River, citing environmental degradation, improper land reclamation, and encroachment on the river’s right of way.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during an on-the-spot assessment of the area. Wahab decried the actions of developers who had filled sections of the river and erected buildings, severely narrowing the natural water channel.
“This type of indiscriminate development poses a significant threat to the environment and public safety,” Wahab said. He stressed that any land reclamation or construction activity near water bodies must be guided by a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to prevent ecological disruption and maintain proper drainage infrastructure.
Following the inspection, Wahab ordered the immediate removal of all structures encroaching on the river and instructed developers to halt ongoing construction activities. He also mandated that all necessary documentation be submitted to the ministry and that the river’s natural course be restored.
Among the affected areas are 21 buildings in Oral Estate, eight in Westend Estate, and several structures in Megamond Estate—all allegedly constructed without proper approvals.
The Commissioner appealed to residents of marked properties to vacate their homes due to looming safety hazards. While acknowledging the hardship this directive may cause, he assured residents that the government would act with fairness and empathy.
“We understand the pain of those affected, but we must act to protect the larger ecosystem and prevent future disasters,” Wahab stated. He urged developers to prioritize human lives over profit and to adhere strictly to urban development regulations to avoid endangering innocent property buyers.