The Lagos State government on Friday issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of Lagos Island to clean up their environment.
The move was aimed at addressing growing environmental concerns, including blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and illegal constructions in the area.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, and Office of Environment Services, both from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources gave the directive at a sensitization programme in the area.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, said there would be strict enforcement on illegal and unauthorised building activities, particularly those encroaching on drainage channels.
He said: “The nonchalant attitude of some Lagos Island residents towards environmental issues is unacceptable. We are issuing a two-week ultimatum for immediate improvement.
“We have observed numerous instances of illegal constructions, such as shops built on top of drainage systems and shops spilling onto roads.
“Additionally, many residents use their cars as makeshift shops, causing traffic congestion and obstructing pedestrian walkways.
“The Lagos State government will no longer tolerate such disregard for environmental regulations. We have issued a stern warning to all offenders and will take necessary enforcement actions.’’
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mr. Mahmood Adegbite, urged residents of Lagos Island to have a change of attitude toward infrastructure, particularly on waste disposal.