The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, commenced the removal of non-compliant structures along the System 1 drainage channel at Odo Iya Alaro in Ojota and Ogudu on April 15.
This action followed the expiration of multiple contravention notices served to property owners. Enforcement operations were conducted by the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance (DEC) team, with security support from the Task Force on Special Offences and other agencies.
Prior to this, consultative meetings involving stakeholders, including members of the legislative Assembly, were held, aiming to find solutions.
During these sessions, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, alongside House of Assembly member Hon Sanni Okanlawon representing Kosofe 1, noted the absence of valid titles for structures built on the drainage right-of-way. Wahab emphasized that, without proper titles, all structures on System 1 Right of Way would be removed.
Additionally, it was observed that despite contravention notices, some property owners continued construction, displaying impunity.
Wahab advised voluntary removal of non-compliant structures before government enforcement actions, highlighting the enforcement’s aim to mitigate perennial flooding and prevent property damage and fatalities.