The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed that its ongoing demolition of illegal structures erected on floodplains and drainage paths is delivering positive results, helping the city avert potential disasters amid warnings of heavy rainfall.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that the proactive measures taken by the state are crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding lives and property.
“Floodplains and wetlands are not places we can afford to live. Climate change is a real-life issue,” Wahab stressed. “Lagos will experience heavy rainfall. We are preparing for it, but citizens must also take ownership. They must not see it as a form of punishment.”
The commissioner revealed that since assuming office, enforcing environmental regulations has been met with resistance, with some attempts to politicize the initiative. “In my first year, people called me names and politicized our actions. But today, the results have proven that those tough decisions were necessary to prevent what could have been a catastrophe for our state.”
Wahab also extended his condolences to the people of Mokwa in Niger State, where devastating floods claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands last week, reinforcing the urgency of enforcing urban planning laws and environmental safety measures nationwide.
He further urged Lagos residents to avoid constructing buildings on flood-prone areas, revealing that many of the demolished structures lacked proper approvals. “When you apply for building permits in Lagos, you must obtain a drainage clearance and an environmental impact assessment. Unfortunately, most of those illegal buildings had no such approvals.”
As the state braces for intense rainfall in the coming months, Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the city through strict enforcement while appealing to residents to prioritize safety over sentiment.
