… plans to demolish 280 illegal structures
By Onwubuke Melvin – Perturbed by various illegal activities along its waterfront schemes, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish 280 illegal structures as part of efforts to prevent slum formation, uphold the Lagos State Master Plan, and address coastal erosion.
This move, according to the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, aimed to maintain orderly urban development and protect the state’s coastal areas from further degradation.
Alebiosu, in a statement, said the state government has served contravention notice on illegal occupants of Maiyegun waterfront scheme
The commissioner stated that notices were issued to over 280 illegal property owners and occupiers in the Maiyegun Waterfront Scheme, situated in the Eti Osa Local Government area of Lagos State.
He explained that the contravention notices require occupants to provide relevant documentation and approvals justifying their occupation of the properties within seven days. Failure to comply will result in the issuance of a demolition notice.
The over 280 properties—including completed buildings, structures under construction, and undeveloped lands—were found to lack government authorization for their construction.
This was determined following a detailed technical assessment of the Maiyegun Waterfront Scheme by the survey team from the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, which is responsible for overseeing Lagos State’s waterfront schemes.
Alebiosu urged property owners to voluntarily remove their structures before the expiration of the contravention notices or to come forward to regularize their documents, if applicable, to avoid penalties.
He warned that all illegal activities along the waterfront schemes and corridors must cease immediately, as the state government will no longer tolerate or accept encroachments on government properties, land, and setbacks.
Alebiosu revealed that the state government, through the ministry, is currently sanitizing the Okun Ajah waterfront scheme due to similar encroachments.
He emphasized that the government will remain steadfast in its efforts to protect the state’s waterfront schemes and infrastructure while ensuring the safety of lives and properties along the coastal areas.
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