Lagos State to Enforce Removal of Illegal Shanties

The Lagos State Government, represented by Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab, announced a commitment to prosecute individuals who return to erect illegal shanties along the Badagry Expressway. This decision follows a clearance exercise ordered by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aimed at maintaining the median for future rail line development.

Wahab disclosed that the government will deploy necessary resources for ongoing enforcement and monitoring, emphasizing the need for compliance with environmental laws. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat flooding, which has been exacerbated by illegal waste disposal practices and land reclamation issues.

Over the past year, the government has prosecuted approximately 1,000 individuals for environmental violations. Wahab urged residents to engage with private waste management services to maintain cleanliness and prevent further flooding, which has been linked to heavy rainfall and high sea levels affecting stormwater discharge.