The Lagos State Government has continued the demolition of illegal structures obstructing the System 63b drainage channel in Sangotedo, Eti Osa, as part of its intensified efforts to prevent flooding in the area.

This move follows similar actions taken along the System 157 drainage path and Orchid Road channels in Eti-Osa.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this announcement via X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, noting that the demolition was carried out by operatives from the Drainage Enforcement Department of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

“Operatives of the Drainage Enforcement department from Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources @LasgMOE continued removal of contravening structures along System 63b Sangotedo, Eti-Osa LGA to prevent flooding in the axis,” the statement read.

The commissioner’s post also included two short footages showing caterpillars tearing down structures, including fences and multi-storey buildings.

The Lagos State Government has been actively enforcing the demolition of structures encroaching on major drainage channels and their setbacks across the state as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent and manage the severe flooding challenges in Lagos.

These actions are aimed at improving the state’s drainage systems and mitigating the recurring flood risks, which have become a critical issue for both residents and infrastructure.

A month ago, the government demolished several properties along the System 157 drainage path and Orchid Road channels in Eti-Osa after property owners failed to adhere to an earlier agreement to limit their impact on the canal’s path. This demolition followed the government’s persistent efforts to enforce compliance, as the illegal structures were seen as significant contributors to flooding in the area.

Another significant case took place at Mende Villa Estate in May 2024, where structures violating the setback of the System 1 drainage channel in Mende Villa, Maryland, were targeted. Originally, the state government had granted a reduction in the right of way for the System 1 drainage channel, decreasing it from 140 meters to 100 meters and dividing the space 60/40 between Mende and Ogudu.

Despite this concession, property developers continued to encroach on the setback, prompting the issuance of contravention notices. Following months of negotiations and continued non-compliance, the state government initiated the demolition of the offending structures, bringing an end to a prolonged enforcement process.

These actions reflect the government’s resolve to address flooding at its root by ensuring that drainage systems remain clear of illegal obstructions, signaling a firm stance on protecting public infrastructure and maintaining safety for Lagos residents.

The Federal Government has shut down the Eko Bridge and ramps for eight weeks to resurface the essential asphalt.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made this known in a statement on Saturday morning in Lagos.

Kesha added that the closure will take effect from Friday, September 20, to Wednesday, November 20.

The statement read, “The Federal Ministry of Works plans essential asphalt resurfacing work on the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks, effective from Friday, Sept. 20, by 7.00 a.m., through November 20.

“The closure will be full at some sections of the bridge and partial at other sections.

“This critical project aims to improve road safety and enhance the driving experience of motorists.

“The work involves milling of the existing asphalt and relaying new asphalt on the bridge and Ramps. This will address wear and tear and ensure a smoother, safer roadway.”

According to her, due to the closure, there will be detours and alternate routes for drivers.

Providing information on how to navigate the area during the closure, she said motorists going to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should use the service lane at Alaka to connect Costain and access Eko Bridge.

“Island: Access Costain to connect Eko Bridge and link Apongbon

“Apongbon inwards Eko Bridge: Link Costain to access Funsho Williams Avenue

“For Costain inwards Alaka/Funsho Williams Avenue: Pass through Apapa Road from Costain and link Oyingbo to access Adekunle, then link to the Third Mainland Bridge

“Surulere: Use Costain to link Breweries inwards the Abebe Village to connect Eric Moore/Bode Thomas,” she said.

Kesha urged residents and businesses in the affected area to plan their travel accordingly. She assured the public that appropriate signage and traffic control measures would be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians.

She apologised for any inconvenience this might cause, saying that she appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as the ministry works to improve the country’s infrastructure.

Security personnel foiled an assassination attempt by armed men suspected to be political thugs on a federal lawmaker representing the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State, Henry Okojie.

Okojie’s media aide, Michael Ihaza, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, saying that Okojie, the husband of the Nollywood movie Star, Mercy Johnson, was reportedly attacked at his residence by gunmen in a Lexus GX 470 carrying a Rivers State vehicle registration number – PHC 253 FF.

The statement noted that the planned assassination “was unsuccessful owing to the intervention of security personnel attached to the lawmaker”.

“The armed thugs who disguised as police officers along with two others, invaded the residence of Hon. Okojie, claimed to be on appointment and proceeded to the seating room.

“Following the intervention of the security personnel attached to the lawmaker, two of the armed thugs fled leaving behind the driver and another who are currently being interrogated by officers from the Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Uromi.

“The suspects have so far made a confessional statement stating that they were sent on the mission by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Esan North East Local Government Area,” the statement added.

Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comments were not successful.