The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, citing environmental risks.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the directive in a press release issued on Thursday.
Wahab said the ministry observed with concern the proliferation of reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons statewide.
He noted that affected areas included “Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, and parts of Ikorodu”.
The commissioner warned that many projects lacked proper Environmental Impact Assessment approvals and drainage clearance from the ministry.
He explained that reclamation, though beneficial for housing and infrastructure, carried risks of flooding, erosion, and ecosystem disruption.
“Lagos’s low-lying topography and fragile ecosystem cannot withstand indiscriminate reclamation activities without grave consequences,” said Wahab.
Govt’s Directive
“Consequently, the ministry is by this notice directing all reclamation projects across the state, with or without EIA approval and drainage clearance, to be suspended immediately.
“All approved Reclamation Projects across the State must be submitted for proper documentation and monitoring, while all ongoing and intending ones must be subjected to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process with issuance of approval letter and drainage clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources,” he stated.
Warns Defaulters
He warned that non-compliance within seven days would attract strict sanctions, including site decommissioning and arrest of violators.
The commissioner added that the ministry would remove illegal fills, reopen blocked water channels, and prosecute anyone involved in violations.
“Enough is enough,” Wahab added.
