The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to traders operating illegally under major infrastructure points, notably the Idumagbo and Third Mainland Bridges.
These areas, especially hotspots like Oja Oba and Adeniji Adele, have drawn fresh attention as the state ramps up flood control measures, including major drainage and infrastructure upgrades.
The warning came after an on-the-ground inspection carried out on Saturday, July 19, 2025, by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
The inspection highlighted significant progress in Lagos’ ongoing flood mitigation projects and emphasized the importance of public collaboration.
Wahab pointed to the construction of the Onikoyi/Turnbull drainage collector, a critical project that will connect Banana Island to Park View Estate.
According to him, the initiative is poised to greatly reduce flooding in those high-end districts once completed.
He added that smaller street-level drains are also being widened to feed into larger collectors, especially around Banana Island, a flood-prone area.
Despite the advances, Wahab expressed dismay at the reappearance of informal markets beneath bridge areas that had previously been cleared.
“Let me make this clear: public safety must take precedence over informal trading.
“These structures are not intended for market activity, they are critical flood control assets,” he warned.
The commissioner further noted that continued disobedience to state directives poses risks not just to the traders but to the general public and urging people not to turn around and blame the government when avoidable disasters strike.
To deter further misuse of these strategic locations, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency has sanctioned plans to transform the areas into official green zones and recreational parks.
Until those developments are in place, Wahab said, all unauthorized commercial activities under the bridges must stop.
“Lagos is committed to building systems that protect lives and property, but we cannot do it alone. Every resident must respect these efforts if we are to succeed,” he stressed.
