Lagos Strikes Hard: Car Dealers Evicted From Wetlands After Flood Warnings

According to Ireporter Online, the Lagos State Government has begun clearing car dealers and vehicle owners who illegally occupied wetlands and sections of the proposed Green Line Rail corridor, stretching from Lekki to Chevron. This follows the expiration of a two-week notice issued by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

The enforcement, led by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, took place during a routine inspection aimed at mitigating flooding and safeguarding natural drainage systems across the state. The move comes after recent floods devastated parts of Lagos, validating earlier warnings by federal authorities that the state and 12 others were at high risk of heavy flooding in September.

Commissioner Wahab explained that aerial surveillance revealed widespread encroachment by car dealers on designated wetland areas initially reserved for stormwater absorption. He said the illegal occupation not only disrupted the ecosystem but also posed threats to critical projects such as the Green Line Rail and nearby power installations.

“We had a major rainfall in September that caused flash flooding along this corridor. When drones were deployed, we discovered that areas meant to absorb stormwater had been overtaken by illegal structures. Notices were served on September 26, and enforcement has now commenced,” Wahab said.

He emphasized that the government would not compromise public safety or environmental integrity, adding that the illegal structures under high-tension powerlines were a disaster waiting to happen. “If any of these cables fall, the public would blame the government, forgetting that these encroachments were illegal,” he added.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed that some of the car dealers had been granted temporary permission to operate under the powerline corridor but later violated the terms by constructing permanent structures. He revealed that the Green Line Rail project, which will commence in December, requires full clearance of the area.

“The temporary approval was not a license to build. Those who disregarded the conditions must vacate immediately,” Osiyemi stated.

While inspecting parts of Ikota, Wahab expressed disappointment over persistent disregard for environmental regulations. He noted that despite multiple warnings, some individuals continued to reclaim river channels and narrow waterways, worsening flood risks. “It is disheartening to see people deliberately destroy nature for personal gain. We will remove all illegal structures and prosecute offenders,” he said.

Wahab reiterated that although flooding cannot be entirely eliminated in a coastal city like Lagos, its impact can be minimized through proper urban planning, drainage maintenance, and enforcement of environmental laws. He warned residents against building beyond approved setbacks, stressing that enforcement becomes necessary when dialogue fails.

During the tour, the team also inspected an underground drainage project at Agodogba, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, designed to channel stormwater into the lagoon and reduce flooding around Victoria Island. Wahab revealed that the project, now 80 per cent complete, would be finalized between December and January.

He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to protect the environment, strengthen flood resilience, and ensure that illegal developments no longer jeopardize lives or property.