Lagos Government Halts Illegal Reclamation at Ikota River, Demolishes 17 Houses for Encroachment in Lekki

The Lagos State Government has sealed off and issued a stop-work order on ongoing illegal reclamation activities along the Ikota River corridor near Partibons Homes Estate and Bee-Forth Estate Phase II, off Orchid Road in Lekki. The enforcement, carried out over the weekend, was part of efforts to curb environmental infractions threatening the city’s ecosystem and water channels.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who led the operation, described the development as “heart-wrenching,” noting that individuals were deliberately destroying natural floodplains by reclaiming parts of the river and erecting illegal structures for sale to unsuspecting buyers.

Wahab emphasized that Lagos, being a coastal city bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and several lagoons, cannot completely eliminate flooding but can mitigate it through resilient infrastructure and environmental discipline. He warned that blocking natural drainage systems such as System 156/157 would worsen flooding risks across Lekki and its environs.

“The government will not stand by and allow the reckless actions of a few individuals to endanger millions,” Wahab stated, adding that several illegal structures built along the river channel had been removed to restore the right of way.

So far, 17 buildings at Oral Estate II have been demolished for encroachment.

Wahab was accompanied by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the inspection, which also covered environmental violations along the Lekki–Epe Expressway ahead of the upcoming Green Rail Line project.

Osiyemi disclosed that abatement notices were earlier served to automobile dealers operating illegally along the corridor. Despite temporary approvals, many had encroached on wetlands and powerline zones, violating state planning regulations.

He reiterated that such infractions would not be tolerated, especially as the Green Line project a two-to-three-year rail development from Marina to Epe, is set to commence in December.

Both commissioners reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental restoration, urban resilience, and adherence to Lagos’ masterplan, warning that further enforcement actions would continue until compliance is achieved.