Lagos State Halts Construction in Ikota, Lekki, Marks Over 100 Structures for Demolition
- The Lagos state government has issued over 100 contravention orders against constructions going on in Ikota, Lekki
- The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructural Development (MWID) explained the reasons for these orders
- The ministry also gave a stop-work order against unauthorised land reclamation going on along the waterfront
Legit.ng journalist Ruth Okwumbu-Imafidon has over a decade of experience in business reporting across digital and mainstream media.
The Lagos state government has ordered a halt to illegal construction projects going on around the Lekki and Ikota axis.
This is part of efforts to protect Lagos’ waterfronts and prevent illegal encroachments and unauthorised land reclamations in the affected areas.
The Commissioner of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID), Honourable Ekundayo Alebiosu, led a routine monitoring exercise along Ikota Creek, Eleganza, Lekki, during which he issued the contravention notices and stop-work order.
Source: Getty Images
The Commissioner ordered an immediate stop to all illegal constructions and unauthorised reclamation of lands at the water corridors, explaining that they pose environmental and infrastructural risk to Lagosians.
Lagos state gives reasons for stop-work orders
The Ministry also issued 10 stop-work orders to halt unauthorised reclamation projects found to be encroaching on the natural creek corridor in the area.
In a post on the Lagos state government Facebook handle, the commissioner explained that the structures encroach on the natural creek corridor, and must be stopped immediately.
He noted that the orders became necessary after the ministry discovered unauthorised land reclamation attempts that threaten the natural waterways.
Alebiosu warned that strict adherence to the building regulations and the waterfront setback compliance must be followed.
He also warned against dumping refuse in or around the waterfronts, stressing that they must be protected for the safety of current and future generations.
Alebiosu reiterated that the ministry would carry out its responsibilities without fear or favour.
He said;
“We owe it to Lagosians to preserve our coastal assets, therefore the Ministry remains fully committed to protecting these ecosystems and ensuring full compliance with all relevant constructions laws pertaining to the waterfront.”
The post showed pictures of the affected structures, including a while building within a fenced building, with the impact of the water visible on the damp walls.
Building collapses in Ikota, Lekki
Recall that a building recently collapsed at the Ikota area of Lekki, Ajah, Lagos state, resulting in the death of two individuals.
Several others were trapped under the rubble, but the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) first recovered two bodies of a dead adult male and a young boy.
The two-storey structure, still under construction, caved in on Tuesday, January 28, and about five workers were hospitalised with serious injuries.
Two storey-building collapses in Orile
Another two-storey building collapsed around the Orile-Iganmu axis, raising even more worries about the frequency of building collapses in Lagos State.
Source: Facebook
The state government has since been on a mission to enforce the building rules and regulations, and get rid of structures that do not comply.
In a recent warning, the government stressed that the lives of Lagos state residents would be protected and all structures that threaten the safety of Lagosians would be taken down, irrespective of the owner.
Lagos state's enforcement against building collapses
Building collapses have happened repeatedly in recent years across the country, affecting homes, schools, and even churches.
With many incidents having happened in Lagos, this has prompted enforcement actions by state authorities to improve structural integrity.
The LASBCA has led crackdowns on substandard structures, sealing and demolishing buildings that violate safety regulations.
However, enforcement challenges persist due to corruption, weak oversight, and resistance from developers.
Despite these efforts, Lagos continues to witness structural failures, highlighting the need for sustained regulatory enforcement and adherence to safety measures.
The government has reiterated its commitment to demolishing unstable buildings and prosecuting offenders to prevent future tragedies.
Lagos State begins demolition at Ogudu GRA
In related news, the Lagos state government has commenced the demolition of illegal structures at Ogudu GRA in April 2025.
This includes structures that compromise public safety, unapproved structures, and others that compromise Lagos state building regulations.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) announced that the additional 90-day amnesty period given to them had expired.
This article has been updated by head of business desk, Victor Enengedi, with additional information.
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Source: Legit.ng
