At the Okunde Bluewater Scheme in the Lekki neighborhood, the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development has stepped up enforcement actions, evicting squatters and demolishing temporary buildings that have been found to be criminal hideouts. Under the direction of Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the operation is a component of the state government’s continuous effort to secure and reclaim important coastal routes in accordance with its Mega City Master Plan. Alebiosu disclosed that despite the area’s clearance in late 2023, shanties had returned and swiftly turned into crime hotspots.
He claimed that the temporary homes had gained a bad reputation for housing criminals engaged in drug trafficking, armed robbery, and other antisocial activities. The 75-Year-Old Ice in Lagos: A Story of Happiness Formed Over 57 Years.
“Public safety is at stake; this is not simply about unlawful structures. “Dangerous weapons and firearms were recovered and arrests were made during today’s operation,” he said.”Letting these structures remain would have been a disservice to the law-abiding citizens of Lagos, as they posed significant security and environmental risks.” In order to improve connectivity and strengthen the state’s tourism and transportation industries, he continued, the reclaimed area is set aside for the construction of a world-class Bluewater Scheme and coastal road infrastructure. It is no longer business as usual after we cleared this big area of land towards the end of last year. Alebiosu issued a warning, saying, “Any attempts to rebuild shanties or makeshift structures will be met with swift enforcement.”
The Ministry additionally promised that in order to protect the integrity of the recovered territories and stop unlawful resettlement, ongoing surveillance and sporadic enforcement operations will be conducted. In line with the goal of creating a clean, safe, and globally competitive Mega City, Alebiosu said, “MWID is unwavering in its mission to secure and transform all government-owned waterfronts across Lagos State.”
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