The Lagos State Government has marked at least 39 buildings in two upscale estates for demolition.
This was occasioned by the encroachment on the right-of-way (ROW) of the Ikota Riverbank in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The affected areas, located in the Maroko Okun Alfa Ward of the Lekki axis, comprise Oral Extension Estate and Westend, Mega Mond Estate.
The demolition order was a sequel to a series of petitions concerning encroachments into the river’s RoW.
The government has therefore issued indefinite quit notices to affected residents and advised them to relocate with their belongings and families ahead of the planned exercise.
Officials disclosed that 20 buildings are marked for complete demolition, eight for partial removal, and 13 structures at Westend Estate are also set to be taken down.
Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, led by the Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, on Thursday visited the estates.
Wahab pointed out that the government’s intervention became necessary after extensive investigations and stakeholder engagements aimed at finding a “win-win” solution.
He emphasized the need to protect lives and the environment, stating that government has given residents time to relocate, especially families with school-age children.
