The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action by serving contravention notices to property owners along the corridor of Shoreline Estate, Onikoyi Estate, Park View, and Banana Island.
The notices were issued to those whose properties encroach upon channel setbacks, specifically on drainage channels.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed the media over the weekend after inspecting areas in Ikoyi, including the State House and Dodan Barracks. Wahab revealed that many structures in these upscale areas did not comply with the standard three-meter setback required by law for secondary collector drains.
During the inspection, it was noted that the first property along Onikoyi/Banana Island collector, situated inside Onikoyi Estate, left only 2.5 meters for the drainage setback.
Commissioner Wahab mentioned that, to address the issue, the government would adopt the 2.5-meter setback, which is slightly smaller than the 3 meters mandated by law.
Property owners and residents along the affected collector drain have been given a seven-day ultimatum to remove their fences encroaching on the drainage channels. The commissioner stressed that enforcement would begin immediately after the expiration of this notice period.
Wahab urged property owners to voluntarily adjust their fences within the specified setback, emphasizing that if they fail to comply and force the government to use taxpayers’ funds for enforcement, they will be surcharged for the expenses incurred.
This move by the Lagos State Government underscores its commitment to ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations and preventing environmental degradation caused by improper land use. Property owners in the mentioned areas are urged to take prompt action to avoid penalties and ensure a balanced urban landscape.
