Lagos Govt grants extension for elimination of buildings alongside Ikota River in Lekki estates 

The Lagos State Authorities has granted an extension for homeowners of buildings encroaching on the Ikota River setback in Lekki—together with Oral Property, Lekki County, Westend, and components of Megamound Property—to vacate their properties.

The extension, introduced Thursday by Commissioner for Surroundings and Water Assets Tokunbo Wahab through his official X account, follows resident appeals for extra time to relocate.

It additionally comes after the expiration of contravention notices issued to property homeowners.

The transfer is a part of ongoing efforts to clear encroachments, restore the river’s proper of approach, and handle persistent flooding within the Lekki space.

“Following our inspection of the Ikota River setback areas—Oral Property, Westend, Megamounds, and Lekki County, we’ve prolonged the elimination discover for affected owners, not out of weak point, however compassion.  

“Whereas we stay dedicated to restoring the Proper of Option to handle flooding and defend lives, we additionally perceive that households want time to relocate.  

“For this reason we’re permitting some grace earlier than enforcement begins. Solely buildings clearly throughout the river’s path will probably be eliminated, and we are going to proceed to have interaction residents with empathy whereas holding non-compliant owners accountable,” Wahab’s tweet learn.

In a follow-up press assertion signed by Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs on the Ministry of Surroundings and Water Assets, the federal government raised issues over unlawful sandfilling and unauthorized land reclamation by builders within the affected areas.

The assertion famous that these actions have considerably narrowed the river channel and heightened the chance of flooding.

Extra insights 

The Ministry of Surroundings and Water Assets careworn that builders did not receive mandatory Environmental Affect Assessments (EIA) and drainage approvals, warning that such violations carry long-term environmental penalties.

• In response to the ministry, roughly 18 buildings in Oral Property alone are instantly throughout the river setback. Related infractions have been recognized in different components of Lekki, reinforcing the urgency of the restoration drive.
• The federal government mentioned it stays open to continued dialogue with property homeowners however emphasised that enforcement will proceed the place essential to reclaim the river’s proper of approach.

What it is best to know  

• The Lagos state authorities just lately addressed issues round demolition in Lagos, stating that not all buildings with out approval could be introduced down. As an alternative, homeowners could be given the possibility to right planning infractions and convey their properties into compliance.