“We won’t stop demolitions along Badagry expressway” — Lagos commissioner

The Lagos State Government has said it will sustain the demolition of illegal structures and shanties along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of ongoing efforts to restore environmental order and prevent the illegal occupation of public spaces.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the enforcement exercise would continue alongside regular monitoring of the affected areas.

According to Mr Wahab, the clearance operation has been ongoing for the past three weeks and will be followed by sustained surveillance to prevent the reoccupation of cleared locations.

He said the state government remains committed to restoring and maintaining environmental sanity along the major transport corridor.

“Over the past three weeks, our enforcement team has intensified the clearance of shanties, illegal structures, and other environmental nuisances along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

“This exercise will be followed by sustained surveillance and continuous monitoring to ensure that environmental order is restored and maintained along the corridor.”

Drive against environmental infractions

The Lagos State Government has in recent years intensified enforcement against illegal structures, roadside markets and other environmental violations across the state.

Authorities have consistently maintained that the indiscriminate occupation of road setbacks, drainage channels and public spaces contributes to flooding, traffic congestion and public health challenges.

The Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a key highway linking Lagos with neighbouring communities and the Republic of Benin, remains one of the major areas targeted in the ongoing environmental enforcement campaign.

Residents urged to comply

Mr Wahab appealed to residents, traders and business owners to support government efforts by avoiding the conversion of public spaces into illegal markets or private business locations.

“We urge members of the public to respect and preserve our environment by refraining from converting public spaces into illegal markets or for any unauthorised private use,” he said.

Defaulters risk prosecution

The commissioner warned that the government would continue enforcing environmental laws against violators.

He stressed that anyone found encroaching on public land or using public spaces for unlawful purposes would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Lagos State.

The state government reiterated that sustained enforcement, public compliance with environmental regulations and responsible waste management remain essential to building a cleaner, safer and more resilient Lagos.