Lagos Begins Demolition of Illegal Shanties Along Badagry Expressway

The Lagos State Government has commenced the removal of illegal squatters, shanties, makeshift structures and unauthorised trading points along the Orile–Okokomaiko stretch of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of efforts to restore order and reclaim public infrastructure.

The exercise, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is being carried out by a joint enforcement team comprising the Lagos State Environmental Task Force, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

The operation focuses on clearing illegal structures erected on the median of the expressway and other unauthorised locations that have been occupied by squatters and roadside traders.

The development was announced on Monday by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in a post on his X account.

According to him, the exercise is aimed at restoring the expressway's right-of-way while improving public safety, environmental sanitation and traffic flow along one of Lagos busiest transport corridors.

Authorities said the enforcement operation is also intended to prevent the illegal occupation of public spaces, which they say contributes to environmental degradation, traffic obstruction and safety risks.

The state government noted that reclaiming the affected areas forms part of its broader commitment to maintaining environmental standards, protecting public infrastructure and ensuring orderly urban development across Lagos.

Officials added that the exercise would continue until all illegal structures and unauthorised activities along the corridor are removed.