By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Lagos State government has given a 48-hour ultimatum to traders operating illegally under the Apongbon Bridge and on drainage setbacks in Lagos Island, directing them to vacate their stalls as part of the ongoing urban regeneration initiative.
The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata-Bombata Drainage Channel in the Olowogbowo/Apongbon area on Thursday.
Wahab expressed concern over the detrimental effects of human activities in the region, noting that the illegal stalls contribute to flooding and pose significant risks to lives and property. He criticized the encroachment on drainage setbacks, which were originally designed to manage water flow, calling it unacceptable.
“These drainage setbacks have been illegally converted into shops and stalls, disrupting vital infrastructure. This misuse undermines the goals of the urban regeneration project. I have instructed that abatement notices be issued to the shop owners, and we will review the contracts to incorporate these drainage systems into our broader urban renewal plans,” Wahab stated.
During his visit, Wahab also observed that some traders had transformed spaces under the Apongbon Bridge into livestock markets, further exacerbating the situation. He ordered their immediate relocation to designated market areas, stressing that these activities were obstructing essential drainage channels.
“This situation is unacceptable. People have constructed permanent structures on setbacks and drainage channels. When these critical areas are blocked, how can the drainage systems function properly? If compliance is not achieved within 48 hours, we will enforce the relocation,” Wahab warned.
The commissioner emphasized the government’s firm stance against actions that compromise public infrastructure, declaring that such illegal activities must cease immediately.
“We will not sit by and let Lagos devolve into a state of disorder where life is unpredictable and unsafe,” he added.
In addition to the crackdown on illegal stalls, Wahab directed the immediate closure of two construction sites on Alakoro Martins Street and in Ebute Ero Market, where building materials were being stored on drainage systems.
“These actions are illegal. The offenders must remove the materials and clear the drainage channels before the sites will be reopened,” he said.
Wahab urged market operators to ensure that traders use only designated market spaces, stressing the importance of collaboration between the government and local councils to enforce environmental laws.
“While local governments are responsible for managing markets, they must adhere to environmental regulations and not allow these illegal activities,” he added.
Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Special Adviser on Environment, reiterated the commissioner’s message, urging traders to respect the environment and operate solely in designated areas.
“It is the responsibility of all residents to preserve