The Lagos State Government has sealed off the old NITEL building on Marcathy Street, Obalende, Lagos Island, for the deliberate discharge of raw sewage into public drains, causing environmental pollution and posing health risks to residents.
The enforcement was carried out on Friday by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) in a joint operation with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force.
Announcing the development on his official social media handle, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the action was taken to curb environmental nuisance and protect public health.
“The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, in a joint operation with KAI, has sealed off the NITEL building on Marcathy Street, Obalende, for the deliberate discharge of raw sewage into public drains, causing environmental nuisance, pollution and health risks,” Wahab said.
The commissioner disclosed that the building was occupied by squatters who could not be properly identified or accounted for.
“The old NITEL building was found to be occupied by squatters who could not be accounted for and were living there without any form of authorisation or coordination,” he stated.
Wahab reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for environmental infractions and warned that violators would face sanctions and possible prosecution.
“Residents are enjoined to adopt proper wastewater management and hygiene practices to support public health and environmental sustainability. Any act of environmental nuisance will attract appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution,” he said.
The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement against illegal waste disposal, sewage discharge, and other environmental offences as part of efforts to improve sanitation and reduce public health risks in the metropolis.
Officials urged residents and property owners to comply with environmental regulations and report illegal activities to relevant authorities.
