The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and canal rights of way in Agungi, Ajiran, and Ikota as part of renewed efforts to address persistent flooding across the Lekki axis.
The directive follows recent flooding incidents recorded in several parts of Lagos after days of sustained rainfall, which left many roads and residential areas inundated and reignited concerns over drainage obstruction and unchecked development within flood-prone communities.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, following an inspection tour of critical drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in Lekki, Agungi, Ajiran, and Ikota.
According to the state government, the enforcement exercise will involve reopening blocked drainage channels, removing illegal structures erected along drainage alignments, and restoring canal rights of way that have been encroached upon by private developments.
“The Lagos State Government has declared that it will immediately remove all illegal structures obstructing canals and drainage channels’ right of way along Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota areas of the State,” the government said in a statement.
Agungi Flooding
The inspection was prompted by recurring flooding in Agungi despite the completion of major drainage infrastructure projects in the area more than two years ago. Government officials discovered what was described as a major obstruction at the Ajiran outfall channel, which serves as a critical outlet for stormwater flowing into the Lagos Lagoon.
Wahab disclosed that a land-owning family had illegally blocked the outlet of a primary drainage channel leading into the lagoon, preventing stormwater from flowing freely from surrounding communities. He explained that the drainage system was specifically designed to discharge floodwater by gravity into the lagoon and that the obstruction had significantly reduced the system’s effectiveness.
He said the government had directed that the blocked channel be reopened immediately in the overriding public interest, emphasizing that while the government recognizes legitimate land ownership and Certificates of Occupancy, no individual or family has the right to obstruct public drainage infrastructure or natural waterways.
According to the commissioner, the flooding experienced in Agungi and Ajiran is directly linked to a dedicated drainage network that transports stormwater through Chevron Drive into the Lagos Lagoon. He warned that any obstruction along this route leaves residents vulnerable to severe flooding regardless of the level of government investment in drainage infrastructure.
