Lagos issues 48-hour quit notice to traders under Apongbon bridge

The Lagos State Government has given traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and along drainage setbacks on Lagos Island a 48-hour deadline to vacate the areas as part of its urban regeneration initiative.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata Drainage Channel on Thursday.

Wahab emphasised that the state’s efforts aim to improve infrastructure and address environmental challenges, particularly flooding and threats to lives and property caused by human activities. He instructed that quit-notices be issued to shop and stall owners in the affected areas, noting the urgency of clearing the encroachments and maintaining the infrastructure.

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“People have fully built on setbacks and drainage channels. When structures are built on these infrastructures, how do we expect them to be maintained?” Wahab remarked, pointing out the illegal conversion of space under the bridge into livestock markets. He ordered the immediate relocation of the traders to designated areas.

The commissioner also called attention to illegal constructions along drainage systems, announcing that two buildings under construction on Alakoro Martins Street and at Ebute Ero Market had been sealed for illegally stacking materials on the drainage systems. Wahab stated that the offenders would be required to clear the blockages before the buildings could be unsealed.

Wahab warned that the state would strictly enforce environmental laws if the 48-hour deadline is not met, adding that violators would face penalties. All affected traders would be monitored after the deadline to ensure compliance.

The commissioner further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with local authorities to manage market spaces and uphold environmental laws. He urged public cooperation in preserving infrastructure, avoiding illegal activities like refuse dumping, and maintaining a cleaner environment.