The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate dislodgement of all squatters and illegal occupants who have converted the underbelly of the yet-to-be-commissioned Opebi–Mende Bridge into makeshift homes and shops.
The directive was issued on Thursday during an unscheduled inspection tour led by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, and the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olatokunbo Oyenuga.
Speaking after the inspection, Wahab described the situation as “disheartening,” noting that an iconic project nearing completion had been overrun by miscreants and squatters.
“The primary responsibility of every government is the preservation of lives and property. This administration will not shirk its duty in that regard,” he said.
“It is very disturbing that some persons have turned this major infrastructure project into a shelter. Even people from the nearby Cane Village have encroached on the area to create illegal settlements. We will dislodge all squatters and sustain monitoring to ensure they do not return.”
The Commissioner further directed security agencies to move into the area immediately to clear out all illegal occupants and dismantle shanties erected under the bridge.
He also issued a stern warning to automobile mechanics who had turned open spaces adjacent to the bridge into workshops, urging them to vacate the area or risk having their vehicles impounded.
The Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, expressed concern that if urgent action was not taken, the area could degenerate into a slum.
“The State Government has invested enormous resources in this bridge and will not allow undesirable elements to use it as a hideout or as a base for unlawful activities,” Daramola said.
He assured that the Office of Infrastructure would collaborate closely with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to ensure the area is completely cleared and maintained.
“Our goal is not just to clean up the space but to sustain orderliness around this critical infrastructure,” he added.
According to Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the exercise underscores the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to maintaining environmental order and safeguarding public investments across Lagos.
