The Lagos State Government has cautioned prospective property buyers to verify land documents thoroughly before making purchases, following the demolition of 17 illegal structures along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning after leading a joint enforcement and inspection exercise on Saturday. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, and other senior government officials.

Wahab said the exercise formed part of the state’s efforts to reclaim wetlands, restore natural drainage channels, and protect the right of way for the upcoming Green Line Rail Project.

According to him, several automobile dealers who were granted temporary approvals to operate had grossly violated the terms by extending their operations into wetlands and erecting permanent structures under power lines.

“Our findings revealed that some automobile dealers exceeded their allocated boundaries, encroached on wetlands, and even built permanent structures under power lines — all in clear violation of their permits and against the state’s master plan,” Wahab stated on his official X handle.

He lamented that the destruction of wetlands, which naturally absorb excess rainwater, worsens flooding across the state. “Wetlands are not wastelands; they are nature’s sponges designed to absorb floodwaters during heavy rainfall,” he stressed.

The commissioner added that a recent drone survey conducted by the ministry revealed widespread degradation of ecosystems, especially the coconut plantations along the corridor.

Wahab disclosed that the government had commenced enforcement in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation to clear all illegal developments and relocate affected car dealers to government-approved sites.

“The Green Line Rail is a legacy project that must not be jeopardized by selfish interests. We are determined to safeguard the environment and ensure smooth mobility for Lagosians,” he said.

He further directed the immediate sealing and stoppage of illegal reclamation activities at the Ikota River, where developers identified as Partibons Homes Estate and Bee-Forth Estate Phase 2 had allegedly narrowed the river channel for construction purposes.

“It is disheartening that some individuals would destroy vital river ecosystems for illegal real estate ventures, thereby worsening flooding in surrounding communities,” Wahab said.

He urged residents and potential buyers to exercise due diligence and verify land documents with relevant government agencies before purchasing any property.

“This administration will not allow the distortion of nature’s design. Seventeen illegal structures have already been removed at the Ikota River in Oral Estate Extension, and enforcement will continue until full restoration is achieved,” he added.