Lagos State Govt Demolishes 86 Rooms Under Bridge Where Tenants Reportedly Paid N250,000 Annual Rent

The Lagos State government has brought to light a concealed urban phenomenon—an array of 86 makeshift apartments nestled beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi.

These dwellings, which commanded an annual rent of N250,000, have been dismantled in a decisive move by the authorities.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, disclosed this unexpected discovery through a series of videos posted on his social media account. The footage revealed the existence of partitioned rooms, each measuring either 10×10 or 12×10 feet, ingeniously constructed to maximize the limited space available under the bridge.

The enforcement team from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources undertook the task of clearing out all structures, including a container that had been repurposed for a variety of unlawful activities. This operation was not just a physical clearing but also a symbolic act, reaffirming the government’s commitment to urban order and legality.

The revelation of these under-bridge apartments has sparked a conversation about the housing crisis in Lagos. The willingness of individuals to inhabit and pay substantial rents for such unconventional spaces highlights the acute shortage of affordable housing in the city. It underscores the lengths to which residents will go to secure a place to live, even in the most improbable of locations.

The crackdown also led to the arrest of 18 individuals by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, who were found to be squatting illegally under the bridge. This action was taken on the 30th of April, 2024, as part of a broader initiative to address the issue of illegal settlements that pose safety and health risks to the community.

The dismantling of these rooms is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban centers around the world. As cities grow and populations swell, the demand for housing often outpaces supply, leading to the emergence of informal settlements in unlikely places. Lagos, as one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cities, is no stranger to this phenomenon.

The government’s intervention raises critical questions about the future of housing in Lagos. While the immediate concern is the relocation and welfare of those displaced by the demolition, the long-term focus must be on creating sustainable and affordable housing solutions for all residents.

As Lagos continues to evolve, the need for innovative approaches to urban planning and housing becomes increasingly apparent. The story of the 86 under-bridge apartments serves as a catalyst for change, prompting policymakers, developers, and civil society to work together in addressing the complex issue of housing in the megacity.

The aftermath of this discovery and the subsequent demolition is a defining moment for Lagos. It is an opportunity for the city to reflect on its growth and the needs of its people. The actions taken by the Lagos State government not only resolve an immediate concern but also set the stage for a broader conversation about the right to shelter, urban development, and the creation of a city that is inclusive, safe, and accommodating for all its inhabitants.

In the wake of this event, the eyes of Lagosians and the world are on the state’s leadership, looking for signs of progress and innovation in tackling the housing challenge. The hope is that the lessons learned from the under-bridge apartments will inform future policies and inspire a new vision for living spaces in Lagos—one that is grounded in dignity, accessibility, and the collective well-being of the city’s diverse population.