Lagos State Government has issued an immediate quit notice to squatters occupying spaces under the Obalende Underbridge and motor parks, as part of renewed efforts to reclaim and redevelop the area for public use.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this while addressing concerns over the enforcement action, stressing that the quit notice was neither abrupt nor unexpected.
Notices issued since 2024
Wahab explained that the quit notice followed several prior warnings, noting that affected occupants had been formally notified well ahead of time.
“This is not a sudden action. Notices were issued as far back as 2024, and the occupants were given sufficient time to comply with the quit notice,” the Commissioner said.
He added that the government had engaged stakeholders over the months to ensure awareness of the impending clearance, insisting that enforcement only commenced after due process.
Obalende redesign plan
According to the commissioner, the state government is moving to redesign the Obalende underbridge corridor into “a clean, safe, and functional public space.”
Wahab stated that the clearance exercise triggered by the quit notice is critical to restoring order, improving environmental sanitation, and enhancing security in the area, which has long been plagued by illegal occupation and congestion.
Private sector to redevelop area
The Commissioner further revealed that, following compliance with the quit notice, the location will be handed over to a private sector partner for redevelopment and long-term maintenance.
According to him, the project will be executed under the partner’s Corporate Social Responsibility framework, ensuring sustainability and continuous upkeep of the facility for public benefit.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that the quit notice aligns with its broader urban renewal agenda and commitment to reclaiming public spaces across the state for orderly development and environmental safety.
