The Lagos State Government has given squatters and owners of illegal structures along the Gbagada-Bariga drainage channel a 48-hour notice to vacate the area. This announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through a post on social media platform, X, on Sunday.

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Wahab explained that the drainage channel, which is crucial for deflooding the Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities, and surrounding areas, has been obstructed by squatters and illegal structures. These blockages have significantly contributed to recent flooding in the area.

“The drainage channel, which defloods Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities and environs, and discharges into System 1, has been taken over by squatters who have constituted nuisance and security risks to the estate, and property owners who deliberately built to obstruct the free flow of water in the area,” Wahab stated. “Shanties were erected along the length of the channel, and their activities blocked collectors that are supposed to carry stormwater into the channel, which resulted in the flooding experienced during the week.”

Wahab added that following the expiration of the eviction notices, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will commence the removal of the illegal structures to restore proper drainage and mitigate flooding in the area.

This action follows a 10-hour downpour on Wednesday that caused severe flooding in many parts of Lagos and Ogun states. The heavy rain led to the collapse of a two-story building in Mushin, halted vehicular movement on several roads, and disrupted business and commercial activities. Thousands of residents were affected, and many pupils were unable to attend school.