‘I Was Called Bigot’ For Demolishing Buildings — Lagos Commissioner Reveals

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has revealed that he faced heavy criticism, including being labelled a bigot, over the government’s decision to demolish buildings constructed on floodplains and drainage paths.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, Wahab explained that despite the backlash, the decision has proven effective in preventing major flooding disasters in the state.

“You know what I had to go through in the first 12 months when I assumed office. People had to politicise those actions. I was dog-whistled.

“I was called a bigot, but today, the results have shown that we took the very hard way to solve what would have become a disaster for our dear state, Lagos,” Wahab said.

He emphasised that structures erected in flood-prone areas pose a serious risk, especially in a coastal city like Lagos that is already grappling with the realities of climate change and intensifying rainfall.

“Floodplains and wetlands are not places we can afford to live. Climate change is a real-life issue,” he said.

“Lagos will experience heavy rainfall. We are preparing for it, but the citizens must also take ownership. They must not see it as a form of punishment; that’s why they are removing the contraventions.”

The Commissioner noted that many of the demolished buildings lacked necessary permits, such as drainage clearance and environmental impact assessments, which are required before construction approval is granted.

He also expressed condolences to the people of Mokwa, Niger State, where recent floods claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands.

Using Mokwa as a cautionary example, Wahab reiterated the importance of adhering to urban planning regulations.

He urged residents to refrain from building on drainage paths and flood zones, adding that ignoring environmental laws puts entire communities at risk.

“We’ve had those things too in some parts of Lagos, where we tell people you can’t build here. And because of the coordination in Lagos, if you seek approval at the Ministry of Physical Planning, they will tell you to get a drainage clearance and an environmental impact assessment from the Ministry of Environment to show you can build here.

“What we found out is that most of those houses we had to remove don’t have approvals. So, for Mokwa, it is painful because so many lives have been lost. We just have to keep appealing to citizens,” Wahab stated.

Early in May, the Lagos State Government marked 39 buildings for demolition in various estates in the Lekki area for encroaching on the Ikota River setback, as part of efforts to restore the natural drainage path and tackle persistent flooding in the area.

The affected buildings are spread across Oral Estate (18 units), Lekki County (13 units), and Westend Estate (8 units).