LASG dismantles illegal shop extensions, restores access to water on Lagos Island
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has successfully removed illegal shop extensions blocking critical drainage channels and a government-provided water tap on Idi-Oluwo Street in Lagos Island.
The operation, led by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was part of a broader effort to ensure public safety and improve access to essential services in the area.
The LASBCA, under the leadership of General Manager Arc. Gbolahan Oki, conducted the enforcement operation on Sunday.
The agency revealed in a statement that several shop owners had built illegal extensions over public drains, obstructing the flow of water and blocking access to a key water supply. These structures had also disrupted the smooth flow of traffic in the area.
Arc. Oki emphasised the significant impact of these illegal structures, particularly the blockage of a public water tap, which had caused the entire community to be cut off from its water supply.
The swift removal of the shop extensions restored access to clean water, improving the quality of life for residents.
“In a proactive effort to ensure public safety, orderliness, and the smooth flow of traffic, the LASBCA has taken decisive action,” said Oki. He urged residents to respect public infrastructure and stressed the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining community resources.
Following the successful clearance of the illegal extensions, Arc. Oki issued a one-week ultimatum to traders on Idi-Oluwo Street, urging them to address the violations or face legal consequences.
He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing commitment to maintaining order across Lagos Island.
In addition to the operations on Idi-Oluwo Street, LASBCA inspectors uncovered several environmental violations at Mankanra and Bombata markets.
At Mankanra, shanties obstructing walkways posed a safety risk, while at Bombata, Arc. Oki advised market leaders to prioritise cleanliness and structural integrity.
However, Hon. Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, a representative from Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, commended LASBCA’s proactive efforts and called on market leaders to ensure compliance with state regulations. She warned that defaulters would face penalties as prescribed by law.
