The Lagos state government on Thursday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and on drainage setbacks in Lagos Island to vacate their stalls as part of its ongoing urban regeneration project.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab made this announcement during an inspection tour of the Savage/Elegbata-Bombata Drainage Channel around the Olowogbowo/Apongbon axis.
Wahab expressed concerns over the negative impact of human activities in the area, noting that they contribute significantly to flooding and pose serious threats to lives and properties.
“These drainage setbacks have been converted into shops and stalls, which is unacceptable. This misuse of infrastructure hampers the effectiveness of the regeneration process. I have instructed that abatement notices be served to the shop owners, and we will revisit the contracts to include these drainage collectors in our urban renewal plans,” Wahab said.
The commissioner observed that traders selling livestock had converted spaces under the Apongbon Bridge into a ranch and livestock market, further aggravating the situation.
He ordered the immediate relocation of the traders to designated markets, warning that their activities were blocking critical drainage systems.
“What we saw is unacceptable. People have fully built on setbacks and drainage channels. When you obstruct these structures, how do you expect them to function? If compliance is not achieved within 48 hours, enforcement will commence,”
Wahab emphasised that the government would not tolerate actions that undermine public infrastructure, stressing that such behaviours must stop immediately.
“We cannot fold our hands and allow Lagos to become a Hobbesian state where life is nasty, brutish, and short,” he said.
The commissioner also directed the immediate sealing of two construction sites, one on Alakoro Martins Street and another in Ebute Ero Market for stacking building materials on drainage systems.
“These actions are illegal. The offenders will be required to remove the materials and clean the drainage systems before the sites are unsealed.”
Wahab urged market operators to ensure that traders use designated market spaces, highlighting that the government and local councils would work together to enforce environmental laws.
“While markets fall under the purview of local governments, this does not give them the right to infringe on environmental laws,” he added.
Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu echoed the commissioner’s sentiments, urging traders to avoid defacing the environment and operate only in designated areas.
“It is the duty of all residents to maintain the environment and prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” he stated.
