LASG removes 1,141 drainage encroachments in one year – Commissioner
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Government has announced the removal of 1,141 contraventions over the past year to restore Drainage Rights of Way (ROW) across the state. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefings at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term anniversary.
Wahab said the restoration efforts covered critical areas, including System 40 and 40A Alaba International Market Channel and Franklas Channel (3.5km), System 34B Aiyetoro/Iteku/Ishasi Drainage Channel, Ojo LGA (3.0km), and System 131 Odo Iraye Channel, Epe LGA (2.5km). He noted that 12 primary channels covering 32.5km and 84 secondary channels totalling 96km were restored from 2023 to 2024, with four more primary channels proposed for 2025.
Highlighting key projects, Wahab revealed that a state-of-the-art pumping station — the first of its kind in Africa — has been constructed at Ilubirin, Lagos Island, to pump stormwater into the lagoon. This is part of the Lagos Island Drainage Regeneration Project aimed at deflooding areas like Oroyinyin, Idumagbo, Binuyo, Aroloya, Epe, and Ojo-Giwa.
During the year under review, the ministry issued 1,674 abatement notices, monitored 4,955 environmental infractions, and sealed 171 premises for non-compliance. Infractions included stacking building materials on roads and drainage channels, poor waste disposal practices, and absence of toilet facilities in tenements.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) also handled 872 complaints, 610 of which were noise-related. The agency successfully abated 129 cases, treated 320 others with appreciation letters from complainants, while 26 cases remain under investigation. LASEPA monitored 140 hospitality facilities to ensure compliance with environmental safety laws.
On wastewater management, Wahab stated that the Lagos State Waste Water Management Office (LASWAMO) inspected 2,315 facilities, issued 1,005 abatement notices, and carried out enforcement on 208 facilities. He said three Modular Septage Pre-Treatment Plants have been deployed to ensure efficient fecal sludge treatment before discharge into water bodies.
Wahab emphasized that the government would intensify advocacy campaigns but warned that enforcement actions would continue against violators. He stressed that sustainable environmental practices were crucial to securing a flood-free and clean Lagos.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, urged residents to support government efforts to make Lagos safe, clean, and sustainable. He assured that the government would continue its enforcement and advocacy drive, emphasizing that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
