The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to continue demolishing illegal structures and shanties along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, saying the exercise is aimed at restoring environmental order and preventing the unlawful occupation of public spaces.
The Punch reported that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
Wahab explained that the clearance operation, which has been underway for the last three weeks, would be complemented by sustained surveillance and monitoring to prevent those removed from returning to the affected locations.
The ongoing exercise is part of the state’s broader campaign against illegal structures, roadside trading and other environmental violations.
The government has consistently argued that the indiscriminate use of road setbacks, drainage channels and public spaces contributes to flooding, traffic gridlock and public health concerns.
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a key highway connecting Lagos to neighbouring communities and the Republic of Benin, remains one of the major areas targeted under the enforcement drive.
Speaking on the operation, Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring sanity along the corridor.
He said, “Over the past three weeks, our enforcement team has intensified the clearance of shanties, illegal structures, and other environmental nuisances along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.
“This exercise will be followed by sustained surveillance and continuous monitoring to ensure that environmental order is restored and maintained along the corridor.”
The commissioner appealed to residents and traders to cooperate with the government by avoiding the illegal conversion of public spaces into markets or other unauthorised uses.
He said, “We urge members of the public to respect and preserve our environment by refraining from converting public spaces into illegal markets or for any unauthorised private use.”
Wahab also warned that violators of the state’s environmental regulations would face legal consequences.
He added, “Anyone found encroaching on public spaces or using them for unlawful purposes will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.”
The state government has consistently stressed that strict enforcement of environmental laws, public adherence to regulations and proper waste disposal remain essential to achieving a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.
