Lagos Govt demolishes buildings encroaching on Ikota River in Lekki estates after extended deadline 

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the demolition exercise in a statement posted on his official X account on Saturday.

Prior to the demolition, the government had served notices to owners of buildings obstructing the Ikota River alignment.

After the initial deadline passed, an extension was granted on Thursday following appeals from residents for more time to vacate. The demolition proceeded on Friday, affecting properties in Oral Estate, Westend, Lekki County, and parts of Megamound Estate.

“Following the expiration of served notices, operatives from Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Department of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources on Friday commenced the removal of contravening structures within Megamond Estate and Oral Estate along Ikota River alignment, Eti-osa, to prevent perennial flooding in the area,” Wahab’s post read.

The commissioner’s post was accompanied by a video clip showing a bulldozer tearing down one of the affected buildings as enforcement officers from the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Department carried out the operation.

On Thursday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced an extension of the deadline for residents to vacate their properties along the Ikota River. This extension was granted after property owners requested more time for relocation.

The ministry confirmed that demolitions were being carried out in accordance with environmental regulations and following proper contravention notices. While dialogue with homeowners will continue, the government stressed that non-compliance would not be tolerated.

Restoring the natural flow of the Ikota River is a key part of the state’s broader flood mitigation efforts, the ministry had stressed.