The Lagos State government has announced plans to intensify enforcement against drainage encroachment and other environmental infractions in Lekki axis, as part of efforts to mitigate flooding and protect critical water infrastructure.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said this while inspecting ongoing drainage projects and flood-prone areas in Ogombo, Lake Embankment, Ikate, Mobil, Mobil Road, Kusenla and other adjoining communities.
Wahab said the inspection followed intelligence reports on attempts to tamper with major drainage alignments, particularly System 46, warning that any interference could have far-reaching consequences for the Ikota River corridor.
“We received whistleblower information that there was encroachment on System 46. We have decided to install signposts to clearly demarcate the alignment and ensure that no one goes back to reduce or tamper with it, because it will eventually affect the Ikota River,” he said.
At System 44, the commissioner recalled that contraventions had earlier been removed from the drainage alignment two years ago, noting that contractors were still on site. He explained that persistent flooding along Mobil Road was traced to temporary damming of upstream and downstream sections to enable construction works.
“We have directed the contractor to hasten work, so the damned areas can be removed. About 800 metres remain on both the upstream and downstream sections leading to the Ikota River,” he said.
The commissioner added the state government had expanded the scope of the project to include not only drainage construction but also the installation of a pump station to improve flood discharge capacity.
“This is our third visit here. After our earlier inspections, we awarded the job, and due to developments in the area, including the regional road project, we approved additional electro-mechanical works and a pump station to effectively manage flooding,” he added.
Wahab expressed concern over the takeover of wetlands and illegal sand-filling observed along Mobil Road, as well as the emergence of shanties along the Coastal Road corridor.
He said the government would erect signposts to protect wetland alignments and adopt a coordinated approach with the Federal Ministry of Works to address illegal occupation along the Coastal Road, which is a federal asset.
According to him, uncontrolled settlements around conservation areas pose environmental and security risks, adding that open burning observed behind a conservation zone could also threaten wildlife habitats.
On the timeline for completion of projects, Wahab said the drainage works were initially scheduled for 24 months, but the addition of new components could extend the project by about 12 months.
Speaking on the state’s preparedness for the rainy season, the commissioner stressed the reality of climate change, citing persistent rainfall in recent months.
“The rain has not stopped. Anyone who says climate change or global warming is not real is simply denying reality. Our responsibility is to continue advocacy, provide resilient infrastructure and ensure residents take ownership of these facilities,” he said.
He urged residents to refrain from activities that undermine public infrastructure, assuring that the state government would continue to enforce environmental laws to safeguard lives, property and sustainable development.
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