The Lagos State Government has given illegal traders and squatters under the Idumota and Ebute Ero overhead bridges 24 hours to vacate the area, citing environmental violations and degradation.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the directives on Sunday during an inspection tour to assess compliance with environmental regulations. He warned that failure to vacate within the deadline would attract strict enforcement measures.
The inspection team included Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; and Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.
Wahab explained that the exercise was part of the government’s efforts to reclaim drainage alignments and restore environmental order.
“Three weeks ago, we visited these areas and found traders selling directly on drainage channels, obstructing the flow of stormwater. This situation led to quit notices being issued, and we have since reopened several blocked drainages,” he said.
Following consultations with traders, the government unsealed Oke Arin/Gorodom Market after they committed to maintaining proper sanitation. However, Wahab noted that Idumota and its environs remained in poor environmental condition, necessitating the quit notice.
The commissioner emphasized that illegal structures over drainage channels pose a serious risk of flooding and disease outbreaks.
“Poor sanitation can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. We cannot allow this level of environmental degradation to continue,” he warned.
He also reiterated the ban on styrofoam use in Lagos, stating that despite the prohibition over a year ago, traders continue to stock and dispose of it indiscriminately.
“We do not want to see styrofoam in our markets. Traders must collaborate with the government to maintain a clean and safe environment,” he added.
During the tour, Wahab ordered the immediate sealing of Kabaran Global Nigeria’s Apogbon Truck Park on Adeniji Adele Road for failing to comply with multiple abatement notices. The site has been allocated for road construction projects.
Additionally, a shopping complex under construction on Adeniji Adele Road was sealed for obstructing drainage pathways.
Wahab urged market leaders and traders to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, stressing that markets should not double as residential areas.
“Stop connecting sewage to drainage channels, dumping waste into them, or constructing illegal structures over them. The rainy season is approaching, and we must prepare to prevent flooding,” he cautioned.
Responding to the development, Alhaja Basirat Owolewa, speaking on behalf of the Iyaloja of Gorodom Market, expressed appreciation to the government for clearing blocked drainage channels. She assured that traders would uphold sanitation standards and prevent further violations.