Lagos seals Okota residence over illegal sewage discharge into public drainage

The Lagos State Government has sealed a residential property located at No. 59, Ajoke Okusanya Street, off Ago Palace Way in Okota, for illegally channeling raw sewage from its septic tank into the public drainage system — an act deemed a serious environmental and public health violation.

The enforcement, which took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, was carried out by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources through its enforcement arm, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO).

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to Wahab, the practice of discharging untreated sewage into public drains poses grave health risks, contaminates water sources, and violates environmental safety regulations. He reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy for environmental infractions and vowed to pursue stricter enforcement against violators.

“This act constitutes environmental pollution and a threat to public health,” Wahab stated. “Such practices will not be tolerated as they endanger lives and compromise the sustainability of our communities.”

The illegal sewage disposal came to light after a concerned resident recorded and posted a video on X showing the property discharging sewage into a nearby gutter using a hose.

The post, which tagged Commissioner Wahab, quickly gained attention and triggered a swift response from the Ministry.

The video showed effluent waste flowing directly into the street drainage, prompting widespread public condemnation and leading to a formal investigation by LSWMO enforcement officers. Upon confirmation of the violation, the building was immediately sealed off.

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This enforcement action in Okota is part of a broader, ongoing clampdown by the Lagos State Government aimed at curbing illegal wastewater discharge and improving urban sanitation standards.

In May 2025, a three-storey residential building in Ilasan, Lekki Peninsula II, was sealed after being caught pumping faecal waste into public drains under the cover of night. That case was also brought to light by a whistleblower’s report.

Earlier in the year, the LSWMO sealed Block N of the Ebute-Ero Market for constructing a septic tank on a public walkway and discharging sewage into public drainage. In Eti-Osa Local Government Area, several illegal public toilets and bathing facilities along Coastal Road, Ikate, were shut down for violating health and safety regulations.

On Lagos Island, enforcement teams sealed Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street after discovering that untreated wastewater was being discharged into drainage channels using a pump — usually at night to avoid detection.

Commissioner Wahab reiterated that the Ministry would continue to pursue and prosecute violators, emphasizing that protecting the environment is critical to safeguarding public health.

“The Lagos State Government remains committed to enforcing sanitation laws, promoting responsible waste management, and ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all residents,” Wahab said.