Illegal Shops at Idumota Pedestrian Bridge Face Eviction as Lagos Govt Takes Action

The Lagos State Government has resumed the demolition of illegal shops attached to the Idumota pedestrian bridge as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain order, enhance pedestrian movement, and eliminate safety hazards in the area.

The update was shared on Monday via X (formerly Twitter) by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to Wahab, the operation was a joint effort between the Office of Drainage Services and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), aimed at removing encroachments on the bridge and its surroundings to improve accessibility.

“In a joint operation between operatives from the Office of Drainage Services and LAGESC, we have resumed clearance operations in Idumota, removing illegal shops attached to the pedestrian bridge,” Wahab stated.

Lagos Govt Begins Crackdown on Illegal Structures, Criminal Hideouts Under Idumota Bridge

Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Structures

A short video clip accompanying the post showed operatives using sledgehammers to demolish cemented shops built against the pedestrian bridge.

The Lagos State Government has been actively demolishing illegal structures across the state, particularly those obstructing pedestrian walkways, drainage channels, and roadways. These efforts are part of a broader urban renewal strategy to enhance urban planning, prevent flooding, and ensure public safety.

Recent Demolition Exercises in Lagos

• February 2025 – The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) demolished unauthorized structures at Obalende Under-Bridge, citing security and environmental concerns.
• January 2025 – The Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Department cleared structures blocking Langbasa-Jehovah Witness-Ramota drainage alignment in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, preventing flooding.
• January 2025 – Illegal constructions on Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel in Lagos Island were removed to enhance stormwater flow.
• October 2024 – The government carried out demolition of obstructing structures on Adeyinka Osijo Street, Yaba, as part of flood control efforts.

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned traders and residents against encroaching on public infrastructure, stressing that enforcement actions will continue to reclaim obstructed spaces and improve the city’s livability.