86 Rooms Discovered Under Bridge Where Tenants Pay Rent

According to Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, the state government discovered 86 partitioned chambers sized 10×10 and 12×10 under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, Lagos Island.

The “tenants” are required to pay up to N250, 000 per year in rent.

In a post on his X handle, Wahab announced that the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources’ enforcement team had effectively demolished all structures from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge, including a container used for different illicit operations.

“A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge. They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources”

Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, verified the removal of squatters from beneath the bridge to Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi for unlawful settlement and environmental infractions. Rotimi-Akodu stated that 23 people were arrested during the eviction, which was carried out by authorities from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, or KAI, on Tuesday.

“Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI). These people created their illegal settlements under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.”

He also revealed that the bridge had previously hosted 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 annually.

“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he wrote.

We all know that houses in Lagos are very expensive and not everyone can afford it. Life is really not easy and that’s why people make use of what is available. The question is ??? Where will these people stay? Does the government have a plan for them? Because I feel they would have given them notice before demolishing the rooms.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli