The Lagos State government has taken decisive action against environmental violations by sealing two prominent residential properties in the upscale Ikota GRA area.
The enforcement operation, carried out on Monday, September 8, 2025, targeted facilities that were discharging untreated wastewater into public drainage systems.
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) sealed EMCEL Court Phase I and Well Stock Apartments, both strategically located on Lantana Avenue in Ikota GRA, Eti-Osa.
The enforcement action was announced through an official statement by Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his verified social media account.
“The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), on Monday, 8th September, 2025, sealed off EMCEL Court- Phase I, and Well Stock Apartments, both on Lantana Avenue, Ikota GRA, Eti-Osa, Lagos for deliberate discharge of wastewater into public drains and the environment thereby causing public nuisance, environmental pollution and endangering human life,” Wahab’s post read in part.
The commissioner emphasized that the sealed properties were found to be systematically releasing untreated wastewater, creating significant public health hazards and environmental contamination.
The enforcement action was triggered by comprehensive investigations revealing that both residential facilities were deliberately channeling raw sewage and wastewater into public drainage infrastructure. This practice poses serious risks to community health, contaminating water sources and creating breeding grounds for waterborne diseases.
Commissioner Wahab stressed the importance of proper wastewater management protocols, urging all Lagos residents to adopt responsible hygiene practices. The government’s position underscores the critical role that individual property compliance plays in maintaining citywide environmental standards.
The Ikota GRA enforcement represents part of Lagos State’s intensified campaign against environmental pollution across all sectors. Over the past twelve months, the government has systematically targeted non-compliant establishments, including religious institutions, hospitality venues, and industrial facilities in areas such as Ikeja, Mushin, Gbagada, and Maryland.
Recent enforcement activities demonstrate the government’s comprehensive approach to environmental protection. In June 2025, authorities sealed a residential property at No. 59, Ajoke Okusanya Street, off Ago Palace Way in Okota, after discovering illegal sewage discharge from septic tanks into public drainage systems.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) expanded its enforcement scope in September 2024, shutting down numerous facilities, including Vital Products Limited, A & P Nigeria Limited, and several hospitality establishments. Religious institutions, including branches of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Celestial Church of God, faced similar sanctions for environmental violations.
The enforcement drive has extended beyond individual properties to include major commercial centers. Significant markets such as Mile 12, Ladipo, and Oyingbo experienced temporary closures until operators demonstrated compliance with government sanitary and environmental requirements.
The government’s environmental enforcement strategy encompasses diverse business categories, with fast food outlets, restaurants, and hotels facing sanctions for improper waste discharge practices. This broad approach demonstrates Lagos State’s commitment to establishing uniform environmental standards across all economic sectors.
The systematic closure of establishments reflects the government’s determination to eliminate practices that compromise public health and environmental integrity. Property owners and business operators are increasingly recognizing the necessity of investing in proper wastewater treatment infrastructure to avoid enforcement actions.
The Ikota GRA enforcement sends a clear message to developers and property owners in premium residential areas about the government’s commitment to environmental compliance. High-value properties are not exempt from enforcement actions, establishing precedent for consistent application of environmental regulations regardless of property location or value.
The sealed properties represent significant real estate investments, highlighting the financial risks associated with non-compliance with wastewater management regulations. Property developers and managers must now factor environmental compliance costs into their operational budgets to avoid potentially devastating enforcement actions.