Lagos Government has sealed beaches and over 180 buildings over alleged encroachment.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Lagos State Government has sealed two popular beach resorts — Timeless Beach and Iceland Beach — along with 180 buildings in the Okun-Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government for allegedly encroaching on state-owned land.
The enforcement exercise was carried out by officials from the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, led by the Commissioner, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu.
According to him, the government resorted to the action after several summonses and contravention notices served on the affected property owners were ignored.
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A statement on Tuesday by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Morenikeji Akodu, cited Alebiosu as expressing dismay over what he described as the blatant disregard for due process and property rights, stressing that the state government had made multiple efforts to engage the defaulters.
“This level of disregard for laid-down rules and property ownership cannot be tolerated. The State Government has made efforts to engage the affected parties, but their refusal to comply has left us with no choice,” Alebiosu was quoted as saying.
He added that while over 40 property owners who earlier received contravention notices eventually complied and were issued E-Survey documents after fulfilling legal requirements, others continued to construct buildings unlawfully.
More than 20 suspected defaulters were arrested during the operation and are expected to face legal action.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting government land and promoting sustainable development along Lagos’ waterfronts.
