Lagos Government Launches Strict Enforcement Against Illegal Bridge Trading

The Lagos State Government has reinforced its stance against illegal trading activities occurring under key infrastructural landmarks such as the Idumagbo Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge.

Specifically, areas like Oja Oba and Adeniji Adele have come under scrutiny as the government scales up efforts to address persistent flooding across the state by executing extensive drainage and infrastructural works.

This directive comes after an official inspection led by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

During the inspection, notable progress was observed in various flood management projects, reinforcing the necessity for continuous public support and cooperation.

Commissioner Wahab highlighted the ongoing construction of the Onikoyi/Turnbull drainage collector, which is being developed to link Banana Island with Park View Estate. Upon completion, this infrastructure is projected to significantly curtail flooding within these high-end communities. He also mentioned that several local drains are currently being expanded to integrate with more extensive drainage systems, enhancing the capacity to manage heavy rainwater, especially in the Banana Island region, which is prone to flooding.

Despite these advancements, Wahab expressed his displeasure over the re-emergence of unauthorized commercial activities under bridge areas previously cleared by the government. He emphasized that such practices directly threaten the integrity of the state’s infrastructural investments and flood control measures.

In his words, “Public safety will always come before informal trading ventures. These infrastructures are essential for flood mitigation and were never designed for market activities,” Wahab affirmed.

The commissioner also warned that individuals who persist in disobeying state regulations are not only risking their own safety but could eventually attempt to shift accountability to the government in the event of avoidable disasters.

To tackle the misuse of these critical spaces, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has authorized the transformation of these locations into well-managed green spaces and formal parks. Wahab insisted that, until these plans are fully realized, any form of unauthorized trading within these areas must be stopped immediately.

He concluded by reiterating that the success of Lagos State’s infrastructure resilience initiatives hinges on strict public adherence to the guidelines put in place.

“Lagos is fully dedicated to creating sustainable systems that safeguard both lives and property. However, these efforts can only yield lasting results if every resident plays their part by respecting these measures,” Wahab concluded.