The Lagos State Government has stepped up its enforcement drive along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, clearing shanties, illegal structures, and other environmental nuisances.
This, according to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on X on Monday, is to restore order to the major transport corridor.
Wahab revealed that the enforcement exercise has been ongoing for the past three weeks, specifically targeting illegal structures and trading activities that obstruct public spaces along the highway.
To ensure the durability of the cleanup, the commissioner noted that the operation will be backed by continuous monitoring.
“This exercise will be followed by sustained surveillance and continuous monitoring to ensure that environmental order is restored and maintained along the corridor,” Wahab stated.
Strict Warning to Encroachers
The commissioner strongly warned residents, traders, and business owners to stop converting public spaces into illegal markets or using them for unauthorized private activities.
He emphasised that the state government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach moving forward:
Enforcement: Ongoing surveillance teams will monitor cleared areas.
Legal Action: Individuals found encroaching on public land or restarting illegal markets will face immediate arrest and prosecution under the extant laws of Lagos State.
“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,” the commissioner added.
A Critical Transit Route
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway serves as an essential international and local highway linking the heart of Lagos to the historic town of Badagry and neighboring West African communities.
Due to its strategic economic importance, the state government reiterated that the corridor will remain a primary focus for environmental enforcement operations to ensure free-flowing traffic and a cleaner public environment.
