Lagos govt issues relocation notice to Lekki coastal road squatters

The Lagos State Government has issued a four-day ultimatum to squatters residing along the Coastal Road in the Lekki area of the state.

The directive came after Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab conducted an inspection tour of Jakande, Elegushi Itedo, System 156, and 44 on Orchid Road, as reported by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

In response to the unchecked proliferation of shanties and illegal structures, the government has mandated the relocation of all squatters inhabiting these unauthorized settlements near the Lagos coastal road in Mayegun, Lekki.

The Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, conveyed this message in a Sunday statement, emphasizing the need for compliance within the stipulated four days.

Commissioner Wahab stressed that the illegal shanties and squatters, situated close to the Regional Road Alignment, must vacate the area by Thursday afternoon. Enforcement activities are scheduled to commence in the early hours of Friday morning.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring safety and security, the commissioner pointed out successful clearance operations in Ijora Under Bridge, Obalende Under Bridge, Apongbon Under Bridge, and the Agege Red rail line.

He noted that these locations were notorious for harboring criminals, posing threats to residents. The ongoing clean-up efforts aim to prevent squatters from returning to rebuild these shanties.

The commissioner announced plans for a team visit to Aboru, Command, and Abule-Egba to inspect ongoing work in those areas, emphasizing that the enforcement drive is a comprehensive, state-wide exercise.

Additionally, he disclosed that enforcement would commence during the week on System 157 (Orchid Road) to open the 40-meter drainage.

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This step is deemed necessary as constructions on the canal path have narrowed the primary channel, contributing to flooding in the region.