The Lagos State government has intensified its clampdown on environmental violations, sealing Viva Bella Court II, a residential estate located on the Lekki Peninsula in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, for the deliberate discharge of untreated wastewater into public drains and the reckless overflow of septic tanks into the surrounding environment.

On Saturday, officials from the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) carried out the enforcement exercise, furthering the government’s mission to ensure stricter compliance with sanitation and wastewater management regulations across the state.

In an announcement made on Sunday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to share images of the sealed property. He also highlighted the alarming environmental degradation caused by the estate’s continuous release of raw sewage.

According to Wahab, the unchecked discharge of untreated wastewater created a persistent foul odor that disrupted the surrounding community, deteriorated living conditions, and posed significant risks to public health. He emphasized that such deliberate acts of environmental pollution would no longer be tolerated under the current administration’s agenda to promote a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.

Government Denounces Environmental Irresponsibility

Tokunbo Wahab did not mince words in condemning the behavior of the estate’s management. He noted that the septic tanks at Viva Bella Court II were consistently overfilled and left to overflow into the environment, creating unsanitary conditions that could trigger serious health crises such as cholera outbreaks, waterborne diseases, and general environmental degradation.

“The continuous deliberate emptying of the septic tanks has been causing the reported foul smell in the surrounding area,” Wahab explained. He further warned that Lagos State would not hesitate to seal off more properties found culpable of similar violations, regardless of their status or location.

Wahab appealed to all residents and property owners in Lagos to adopt responsible hygiene and wastewater management practices, stressing that environmental protection is not only a government responsibility but also a civic duty for every Lagosian.

Enforcement as a Cornerstone of Environmental Protection

The sealing of Viva Bella Court II forms part of a larger, ongoing strategy by the Lagos State government to enforce environmental standards more aggressively. Over the past several months, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has stepped up operations aimed at identifying and sanctioning non-compliant properties.

In December 2024, for instance, the LSWMO sealed Mega Plaza, a major commercial property located on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island, after officials discovered that the facility was discharging untreated wastewater into public drainage systems. In that case, property managers had clandestinely installed a pumping machine to offload waste into public drains at night, severely polluting the area and endangering residents.

Similar operations across the state have seen multiple residential and commercial buildings sealed until property owners take corrective actions. Typically, these properties are only reopened after owners rectify the violations and sign legally binding agreements pledging future compliance with environmental regulations.

These proactive measures illustrate the state’s strong commitment to upholding environmental laws and protecting public health from the adverse effects of pollution.

The Risks of Improper Wastewater Management

Experts warn that the improper discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment carries severe consequences. Beyond the offensive odors and unsightly conditions, exposure to raw sewage can lead to the spread of dangerous diseases like hepatitis, typhoid, dysentery, and cholera. It also promotes the contamination of groundwater sources, particularly in areas like Lekki, where high water tables make underground water vulnerable to pollution.

Moreover, environmental degradation resulting from improper waste disposal contributes to long-term issues such as soil contamination, loss of aquatic biodiversity, and flooding, especially when drainage channels become clogged with waste materials.

Recognizing these dangers, the Lagos State government continues to place emphasis on public education campaigns, enforcement actions, and legislative reforms to encourage sustainable waste management practices throughout the state.

A Broader Push for Sustainable Development

The Lagos State government’s environmental enforcement initiatives align closely with broader efforts to promote sustainable urban development in Nigeria’s commercial capital. With an estimated population of over 20 million, Lagos faces enormous challenges in managing solid waste, wastewater, and environmental sanitation.

The state’s Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has, therefore, embarked on several initiatives, including public-private partnerships for waste collection, expansion of centralized wastewater treatment plants, and community outreach programs designed to promote proper waste disposal habits among residents.

In addition, the government has introduced stiffer penalties for environmental offenses, including fines, property seizures, and criminal prosecutions where necessary. The goal is clear: to foster a culture of environmental responsibility while ensuring that Lagos remains a livable city for current and future generations.

Community Involvement and the Way Forward

Despite these efforts, experts argue that government enforcement alone is not enough. Sustainable environmental management requires active community participation. Residents must understand the direct link between their everyday actions and the broader impact on public health, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability.

Thus, the Lagos State government continues to urge property developers, estate managers, business owners, and residents to embrace best practices in wastewater management. Proper septic tank maintenance, connection to approved sewage treatment facilities, and compliance with sanitation regulations are crucial steps toward achieving this goal.

Moving forward, Tokunbo Wahab has assured the public that enforcement actions will not wane. In fact, the government plans to strengthen the operational capacity of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office and related agencies to ensure continuous surveillance, swift interventions, and zero tolerance for violations.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

The sealing of Viva Bella Court II serves as a potent reminder of the Lagos State government’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and public health. As urbanization continues to accelerate, the need for responsible wastewater management becomes even more critical.

By holding violators accountable and promoting best practices, the state moves closer to realizing its vision of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos. However, true success will depend on the collective will of both government and citizens to prioritize the environment as a shared responsibility.

As Lagosians reflect on this incident, the message is clear: protecting the environment is not just about avoiding penalties—it is about preserving the future.