The Lagos State government has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring environmental resilience and maintaining a zero-tolerance to building infractions as a means to surmount challenges posed by flood on businesses, life and property.

The State’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this at a forum organised by the Royal lnstitution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Nigeria group themed:” Lagos: Leading the Way in Environmental Resilience and Sustainable Urban Development” at the weekend.

Wahab, who shared valuable insights on key trends, emerging opportunities, and challenges in the environmental sector, said the recent flash floods in the state were due to natural circumstances and not a lack of planning, adding that the government is putting in place resilient infrastructure to mitigate further occurrence.

He said the lesson learnt was the need to send out alarm bells earlier through the media and organisations to adopt remote work and students staying back at home on days of flooding events.

Wahab noted that the state has a master plan for drainage, but lamented that some developers deliberately cover-up and build on such facilities thereby preventing the natural flow of water.

Although, he said it was painful that the government had to demolish such buildings. However, he said there must be consequences for bad behaviour and urged the people not to put profit ahead of humanity.

On compensation for demolished structures, he emphasised that compensations can only be paid to affected property owners if they have legal permits to build in such locations.”People must do check before building. They must obey setback rules; obtain drainage clearance and must not tinker with planning approvals,” he said.

He revealed efforts being made towards effective management of 13, 000 tonnes of waste generated in Lagos through partnerships to get fertilizer from wastes, power convert wastes to wealth, and create employment. Wahab disclosed that the state government is developing a building code for the state, which will soon become operational.

The commissioner further harped on scaling up multi-level advocacy for residents and weed out quacks among professionals, who deliberately connive with developers to flout building and environmental regulations.

“Government spends so much on projects but less on communication but there must be a balance, stakeholders’ engagement and we must keep improving on our system. I believe in strong institutions and not strong men. We want our vision and plans for the ministry to outlive us,” Wahab added.

The Chairman, RICS Nigeria group, Mrs Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi, said one of the functions of the group is to organise various trainings, known as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for members, as well as those with an interest in the built environment for education and learning, as well as promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure.

With over 50 years of existence in Nigeria, she said RICS is committed to effecting positive change in the built and natural environment, working at a cross-governmental level to promote, as well as enforcing the highest international standards in the valuation, management and development of land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure.

According to her, Lagos as a vibrant city faces unique environmental challenges including rapid urbanisation, climate change, and resource constraints, which have put immense pressure on infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities.

However, she said Lagos has also emerged as a pioneer in addressing these challenges head-on, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to environmental resilience and sustainable urban development.

She said: “This engagement provides a platform for us to delve into the innovative strategies, policies, and projects that Lagos is implementing to mitigate environmental risks, adapt to climate change, and create a more sustainable future for its residents.

Patunola-Ajayi said members of the RICS have a unique role to play in shaping the built environment and ensuring its long-term viability.

The forum attracted some staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, Vice Chairman, RICS Nigeria Group, Tayo Odunsi, immediate past chairman, RICS Nigeria Group, Mr Olasijibomi Ojuola, Secretary RICS, Mr Lanre Fatimilehin and other members.

Also speaking, Chairman, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, (REDAN), Lagos chapter, Dr Tony Kolawole, appealed to developers to obey regulations guiding construction activities in the state.

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