Sanwo-Olu Vows Clampdown on Illegal Waterfront Constructions, Unveils Tourism, Power Plans for Amuwo, Ojo

 

By Kayode Olopade

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday sounded a strong warning against unregulated development along the state’s waterfront communities, vowing that his administration would not allow illegal constructions to undermine Lagos’ long-term tourism and economic prospects.

The governor issued the warning during an inspection tour of waterfront settlements in Amuwo-Odofin and Ojo Local Government Areas, where he led members of the State Executive Council to assess infrastructure gaps and opportunities.

Sanwo-Olu said the corridor harbours “enormous untapped opportunities” for tourism and economic growth but lamented the proliferation of unapproved structures springing up in the communities.

> “The State Government will not tolerate haphazard development along waterfront communities,” Sanwo-Olu declared. “We will do all within our authority to preserve these assets for tourism and sustainable development.”w,

To enforce compliance, the governor directed the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Physical Planning, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to immediately take corrective actions. He added that government teams would soon return to Ilashe and Ibeshe to restore order and ensure proper planning.

As part of efforts to improve residents’ welfare, Sanwo-Olu announced plans to extend electricity supply to the corridor. Officials of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), who joined the tour, received the formal handover of a power substation to enable immediate connection of communities to the national grid.

The governor emphasised that the state’s tourism agenda would not come at the expense of local livelihoods.

> “The interests of locals will not be jeopardized. Beyond tourism, we will provide basic amenities that will make life more liveable for the people,” he assured.

Sanwo-Olu was accompanied on the tour by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu-Bush; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and several heads of key government agencies.

The administration’s renewed focus on waterfront regeneration comes as Lagos positions itself to boost tourism, improve living standards, and expand economic opportunities along its coastal communities.