By Atoyebi Nike
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has warned residents against building on floodplains and drainage paths.
Speaking on Tuesday, Wahab said climate change poses a serious threat and urged citizens to cooperate with government efforts. “Floodplains and wetlands are not places we can afford to live. Climate change is real,” he said.
Wahab said the state is preparing for heavy rainfall but citizens must support enforcement by removing illegal structures. “People politicized our early actions. I was called names, but today the results show we prevented disaster,” he added.
The commissioner recalled the backlash he faced in his first year due to demolitions of unapproved buildings in risky areas.
He extended sympathy to victims in Mokwa, Niger State, where floods killed over 200 people last week.
Wahab explained that many demolished houses in Lagos lacked proper planning and environmental clearance.
“If you seek approval, you must present drainage clearance and an environmental impact assessment,” he said.
He appealed to the public to obey planning laws and avoid building in high-risk zones.
