LASG To Begin Removal Of Illegal Stalls, Shanties On Lagos Island

By Mohammed Adekola

Lagos State Government announced plans to begin the removal of illegal stalls and shanties obstructing drainage channels and setbacks in Lagos Island tomorrow Tuesday 28th January.

The affected areas include the setbacks of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channels, as well as the space under the Apongbon Bridge.

The disclosure was made in a statement posted on Sunday on the Lagos State Government’s official Facebook account.

The statement explained that the enforcement follows the expiration of a 48-hour quit notice issued to traders and stall owners last week.

“The Lagos State Government on Sunday said the full enforcement of removal of stalls/shanties under Apongbon Bridge and on the setback of Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel on Lagos Island will commence on Tuesday following the expiration of the 48 hours quit notice issued to the stall owners/traders last week,” the statement read in part.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the development during an inspection tour of the affected areas, including Ebute-Ero and the Olowogbowo/Apongbon axis. According to Wahab, the illegal structures have caused significant blockages in critical drainage collectors such as Bombata/Olusi and the Alagbafo collector, contributing to flooding in the area.

“We came to ascertain the level of compliance concerning the abatement notices served on Thursday to ensure that statutorily we have fulfilled what is required according to the law. This will be followed by enforcement activities on Tuesday,” Wahab said.

He stated that enforcement would target extensions impeding public infrastructure, while unaffected structures would remain. Cleared areas will be handed to LASPARK for beautification and to prevent re-encroachment.