The Lagos State Government has demolished several modern duplexes in the Oracle Extension area of Lekki, following flash floods that hit the city on September 24, 2025.
The demolition, carried out on September 26, targeted homes built on the Ikota River and stormwater channels. Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, said the move was necessary to restore natural drainage and reduce the risk of future flooding.
Authorities explained that many of the buildings were erected without approval, blocking waterways meant to carry stormwater out of the area. Wahab stressed that enforcement against illegal construction is part of a long-standing policy to protect lives and property in flood-prone Lagos.
Residents displaced by the demolition were seen salvaging their belongings. While many expressed frustration, the government confirmed there would be no compensation, saying the owners knowingly violated planning laws.
The Ministry also rejected allegations of ethnic bias, insisting that demolition orders apply equally to all property owners, regardless of origin.
The action underscores Lagos’s struggle to balance rapid urban growth with environmental safety. With climate change intensifying rainfall and flood risks, officials warned that further clearance of waterways in Lekki and other coastal areas may follow.
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