The Lagos State Government has announced its intention to demolish several buildings located in the Lekki area for encroaching on the Right of Way (RoW) of the Ikota River, a vital natural water channel that serves as a flood outlet into the Atlantic.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Thursday during an inspection tour of key project sites within the Lekki axis, including Oral Estate and Purple Mall.
Addressing journalists after the tour, Wahab emphasized that the government had previously visited Oral Estate to assess the situation and had given affected residents some time for review and dialogue.
He explained that the follow-up visit was to conclude decisions on removing identified contraventions while also seeking a balanced outcome for both the residents and the government.
“We were at Oral Estate a few weeks ago and engaged with the families there to allow us to conduct a review. We’ve now returned to determine the necessary steps to eliminate structures violating the Ikota River’s Right of Way, while trying to maintain a win-win scenario,” Wahab said.
He explained the strategic importance of the Ikota River, noting that it functions as a crucial drainage route for the entire Lekki region and a safeguard for the Island in the event of flooding on the mainland.
“The Ikota River is the only drainage that supports discharge into the Atlantic. If, God forbid, anything goes wrong on the mainland, this river could be the only way to protect the entire Island and surrounding areas,” he stressed.
Wahab decried the extent of encroachments, stating that numerous structures had been erected directly on the riverbank, which had significantly narrowed its flow capacity.
He highlighted that the drainage systems in areas such as Systems 156, 157, 44, 44A, and 46 all channel into the Ikota River. Unfortunately, these entry points have been obstructed by construction activities, which the government must now correct by re-establishing the river’s RoW.
“In some areas, people are building on the banks of the Ikota River, which is unacceptable. We are re-establishing the Right of Way, and part of the requirement includes the installation of sheet piles to mark the limits and prevent future encroachment,” Wahab explained.
He further clarified that sheet piles—long, interlocking steel sections driven into the ground—will help create a protective barrier along the river’s path. These piles serve both temporary and permanent engineering functions and are commonly used in retaining walls and waterfront construction.
“These sheet piles are a corrective and preventive measure. They push back the unlawful developments, sanction the offenders, and mitigate further damage to the river channel,” Wahab said.
Importantly, Wahab stated that property owners responsible for the encroachments would bear the cost of installing the sheet piles.
“We expect to see tangible evidence of their commitment by Monday. The installation should not take more than seven days.
“If there’s no progress, the government will take decisive action. These illegal structures will have to be removed—this much is evident, even to the property owners,” he warned.
On the number of buildings to be demolished, the commissioner said an exact figure had not been determined but would become clear in the coming week following further assessment.
Meanwhile, Wahab addressed the issue of flash flooding in parts of Lagos, particularly during heavy rainfall. He urged residents to remain calm and patient during such periods, explaining that temporary flooding is a natural occurrence driven by water levels and drainage system dynamics.
“When it rains heavily, and stormwater cannot immediately discharge into the lagoon or the Atlantic Ocean, you experience what is called a ‘lock-up.’ That’s a temporary situation caused by high water levels. Within a few hours, the floodwaters typically recede,” he said.
He reiterated that this is a matter of natural processes and not necessarily due to infrastructural failure, adding that residents should avoid unnecessary panic or movement during such times.
“My appeal to Lagosians is this: if you’re not in an emergency situation, stay put. In one or two hours, the water would usually have cleared from the roads and public spaces,” Wahab advised.