The Lagos State Government has warned property developers, contractors and construction companies against obstructing public roads and drainage channels with building materials, declaring that offenders will face sanctions, including the closure of construction sites and the payment of fines.
The state government also reaffirmed its commitment to removing illegal structures erected on rights of way, stressing that it would continue enforcing environmental regulations to protect public infrastructure and address activities that contribute to environmental problems.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning during an inspection tour of ongoing projects and environmental facilities in Central Lagos and Victoria Garden City (VGC), Ajah.
The inspection covered the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) transfer loading station on Simpson Street, infrastructure projects linked to the regeneration of Lagos Island and areas affected by flooding concerns in VGC.
Wahab said the government would not allow construction companies to disregard regulations and subsequently leave public authorities to spend additional resources addressing the problems their activities create.
According to him, construction sites found violating environmental requirements would be shut down, while the responsible operators would be required to pay penalties for their actions.
He explained that the enforcement measures were intended to discourage practices that undermine environmental management and interfere with the government’s responsibility to maintain public infrastructure.
“We have made it clear that construction sites responsible for these violations will be stopped and made to pay penalties for forcing the government to deploy resources to address their infractions,” the commissioner said.
Lagos Government vows to sustain removal of illegal structures
The commissioner reiterated that the removal of illegal structures would remain part of the state’s environmental enforcement activities.
He maintained that structures erected unlawfully on rights of way would not be exempt from removal, indicating that the government intended to sustain its operations rather than treat them as occasional interventions.
Wahab also called on media practitioners to contribute ideas that could help the authorities strengthen enforcement and improve compliance with existing environmental laws.
“We have to keep carrying out these removals. If you have other suggestions for stricter measures, please share them with us,” he said.
He explained that the government regularly prosecuted individuals and organisations found violating relevant regulations, adding that laws would have little value if offenders were allowed to escape the consequences of their actions.
According to the commissioner, effective enforcement requires authorities to apply the law and ensure that violations attract appropriate penalties.
He said the willingness to impose consequences for misconduct was an important distinction between regulatory systems that function effectively and those in which people routinely disregard established rules.
“That is our mantra. If we have regulations and laws, what distinguishes us from developed countries is our willingness to attach consequences to bad behaviour,” Wahab stated.
His comments reinforce the government’s position that construction activities must comply with environmental requirements, particularly where the use of public spaces could obstruct movement, interfere with drainage or create additional work for government agencies.
Ministry intensifies monitoring of waste management facilities
Beyond enforcement against construction-related violations, the inspection also provided an opportunity for the commissioner to assess progress on infrastructure intended to improve waste management across Lagos.
Wahab disclosed that the state was advancing plans involving additional waste collection trucks, material recovery facilities and transfer loading stations.
The projects form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the infrastructure used to collect, handle and manage waste generated across the state.
He said the trucks had already been shipped, while work on the material recovery facilities and transfer loading stations was ongoing.
“We are almost there. The trucks have been shipped, while material recovery facilities and transfer loading stations are ongoing,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the team made an unscheduled visit to the LAWMA transfer loading station on Simpson Street to obtain first-hand information about its operations.
Rather than relying solely on official reports, he said the ministry intended to continue conducting unannounced inspections of agencies under its supervision.
Such visits, according to him, would enable officials to assess operational performance, monitor the implementation of projects and determine the level of progress made on planned infrastructure.
During the Simpson Street visit, the inspection team received a briefing from LAWMA’s executive director and head of operations regarding the agency’s infrastructure and implementation plans.
The briefing formed part of the ministry’s assessment of activities at the facility and its wider oversight of waste management operations.
Lagos Island regeneration projects also inspected
The inspection tour extended to infrastructure being developed under the state’s efforts to regenerate Lagos Island.
The team examined facilities covering Drop-in Extension One to Four, with officials assessing equipment at the project locations and reviewing the progress of ongoing work.
Wahab said directives were issued during the exercise to strengthen preparations ahead of the next rainy season.
The emphasis on early preparation reflects the importance of ensuring that drainage and related infrastructure are ready to cope with seasonal rainfall.
Blocked drainage channels and the obstruction of public spaces remain issues addressed by the ministry’s enforcement activities.
The commissioner therefore stressed the need for compliance with environmental requirements as the government continues its infrastructure and sanitation programmes.
However, the inspection also focused on identifying concerns and monitoring projects rather than enforcement alone, with officials assessing facilities and receiving feedback on environmental challenges in the areas visited.
Government considers flooding complaints in VGC
At Victoria Garden City in Ajah, the team received petitions from residents concerning unusual flooding in the community.
Wahab said the complaints were considered during the visit as officials examined possible measures to address the situation.
The petitions brought attention to the flooding concerns raised by residents and provided an opportunity for the government to consider potential responses.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to exercise patience over the inconvenience caused by rehabilitation work on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
He urged members of the public to bear with the government while the road rehabilitation project continues.
The appeal came as the ministry carried out inspections covering waste management, urban regeneration and environmental concerns in different parts of Lagos.
The government said its ongoing efforts would continue to involve monitoring public agencies, improving environmental infrastructure and enforcing regulations against individuals and businesses whose activities violate established standards.
With the warning against construction sites blocking roads and drainage channels, the state has reiterated that compliance with environmental laws remains compulsory and that offenders should expect consequences for violations.
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