The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized in a statement that the government would "be humane in its approach to reclaim the drainage right of way."
In a meeting with residents and property owners from areas such as Lekki County, Ikota GRA, Megamunds Estate, Ajiran, Agungi, Orchid, Oral II, and their surroundings at Alausa, Wahab reiterated the government's determination to reclaim and reinstate drainage setbacks that had been either fully obstructed or converted into access roads by some residents.
"We are yielding to their plea to be given time to come up with workable options that will reestablish the setbacks without demolitions," stated Wahab.
He explained the government's intention to adopt a compassionate approach and allow property owners and residents a chance to propose solutions to the setback reclamation until a specified date to minimize the number of affected structures.
Wahab explained to representatives of Megamunds Estate that System 44A, spanning Ikota GRA and Megamunds, is a 19.5-meter-wide channel that had been blocked by Ikota GRA and Lekki County property owners and residents. The government plans to restore the 31-meter drainage alignment, recovering the six-meter setback on both sides to address flooding issues.
He also noted that property owners with fences encroaching on the drainage setback would receive mandatory contravention notices, following legal requirements, with enforcement being the last resort.
During the meeting, affected property owners appealed to the commissioner for leniency, urging the government to grant residents an opportunity to propose viable solutions to address the situation.
