Lagos govt begins clearing shanties along Adeniji Adele drainage setbacks 

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) commenced the execution of this directive on Monday, mobilizing its personnel to remove the obstructive structures and restore the functionality of the drainage system.

The announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.

“Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial commenced operations removing shanties on the setback of drainage at Adeniji Adele,” Wahab’s tweet read.

The tweet was accompanied by video footage showing LAGESC operatives using tools to dismantle wooden shanties erected along the setbacks of open drainage, while some occupants stood by and observed.

The video also revealed scenes of illegal occupation under a nearby bridge in the area, where individuals engaged in petty trading in a cluttered and unsanitary environment.

The Lagos State Government has ramped up its campaign to eliminate shanties and illegal structures across the state, aiming to address environmental violations, curb unauthorized encampments, and foster urban renewal. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to ensure a cleaner and more organized Lagos.

Recently, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) demolished 138 shanties located along the canal bank in Ajao Estate, where occupants were reportedly paying annual rents ranging from N60,000 to N100,000.

To prevent the reoccupation of cleared spaces, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, unveiled plans to collaborate with the private sector.

These partnerships aim to repurpose the reclaimed areas into public-use facilities, providing long-term solutions while enhancing urban management and environmental sustainability.