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7 hours ago
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The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and along drainage setbacks in Lagos Island to vacate the areas.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, announced this during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata Drainage Channel on Thursday.
Wahab said the impact of human activities in the area, including flooding and threats to lives and property.
“I have instructed that the shop/stall owners be served an abatement notice. We are going to clear these infractions and keep the maintenance work going while ensuring that the contract is revisited to accommodate these two collectors,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the illegal conversion of spaces under the Apongbon Bridge into livestock markets must be reversed, and traders relocated to designated areas.
“What we saw is not something that we are happy about. People have fully built on setback and drainage channels, and when you build structures on these infrastructure, how do you expect these infrastructure to be maintained?” Wahab questioned.
Wahab warned that the state would enforce environmental laws if compliance is not achieved.
He emphasised that all affected traders would be monitored after the 48-hour deadline, with violators facing penalties.
Also, two buildings under construction on Alakoro Martins Street and in Ebute Ero Market were sealed for illegally stacking materials on drainage systems.
Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, urged traders to use designated market spaces and avoid defacing the environment.
He called on residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and maintain a sustainable environment.
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