The Lagos State Government has issued contravention notices to over 280 illegal property owners and occupiers in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme to protect the state's coastal areas and prevent the proliferation of slums.
The notices were served on Saturday, and requires the occupants to provide necessary documentation and approvals justifying their occupation of the properties within seven days.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Lagos State Master Plan. He stressed that failure to comply with the directive will result in the issuance of demolition notices.
The over 280 properties, which include completed structures, ongoing construction projects, and undeveloped lands, were found to violate government regulations after a thorough technical assessment conducted by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development.
The survey team, tasked with preserving Lagos State's waterfront schemes, determined that these properties lacked the necessary government authorization for construction.
Alebiosu urged the property owners to voluntarily remove their structures before the expiration of the contravention notices or regularise their documents to avoid penalties.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate illegal activities along the waterfront schemes and corridors, emphasizing that encroachment on government properties, land, and setbacks would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner also revealed that through the Ministry, the State Government is currently addressing similar encroachment issues in the Okun Ajah waterfront scheme.