The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish buildings encroaching on the Right-of-Way (ROA) of the Ikota River in the Lekki area as part of efforts to protect critical drainage infrastructure and mitigate flooding risks.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing environmental projects in the Lekki axis on Thursday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Wahab noted that illegal structures along the riverbanks have significantly narrowed the natural waterway, compromising its capacity to manage stormwater runoff during heavy rains. He emphasized that the Ikota River is the only major channel within the Lekki corridor that discharges directly into the Atlantic Ocean, making it a vital flood-control buffer for surrounding island communities.
“A specialized investigation team has been deployed to assess the level of encroachment, identify structural and environmental violations, and ensure compliance with relevant laws,” Wahab said.
He added that property owners within the encroached zone are required to install sheet piles—at their own cost—to clearly define and protect the river’s boundary. Those who fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe will have their structures removed.
The commissioner said the renewed enforcement follows a previous visit to Oral Estate, where residents were warned and given time to rectify identified violations. Upon a follow-up inspection, officials discovered that several buildings had been erected directly on the riverbank, particularly around key discharge points such as channels 156, 157, 44, 44A, and 46—all of which have become visibly constricted.
To prevent further obstruction and mitigate environmental risks, the state has mandated the installation of sheet piles along the river to secure the ROA and restore the river’s natural flow.
Wahab also addressed concerns about recent flash floods in parts of Lagos, explaining that such incidents are usually caused by temporarily high water levels, which prevent rainwater from draining into the lagoon or ocean. He urged residents to remain calm during such occurrences, noting that floodwaters typically recede within one to two hours as water levels normalize.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, enhancing drainage infrastructure, and promoting sustainable land use across the state to protect lives and property.