The Lagos State Government has announced the immediate suspension of all land reclamation activities across the state, citing growing environmental and social risks linked to uncontrolled reclamation practices.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the government expressed concern over the rising number of unauthorized reclamation projects, particularly on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon fronts in high-risk areas including Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Badagry.
Wahab disclosed that many of the projects currently underway were being carried out without the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals or drainage clearances required from the ministry.
“While reclamation has the potential to support urban expansion, the dangers it poses are significant,” Wahab said. “These include increased flooding, coastal erosion, displacement of fishing communities, destruction of wetlands and biodiversity, reduced lagoon capacity, and deterioration of water quality.”
He stressed that Lagos, being a low-lying coastal city with a fragile ecosystem, cannot afford to overlook the risks of reckless reclamation activities that threaten lives and property.
Under the suspension order, all previously approved reclamation projects are to be resubmitted to the ministry for proper documentation and monitoring. Furthermore, all ongoing and proposed projects must undergo a comprehensive EIA process and obtain clearance before resuming.
The commissioner also issued a seven-day compliance deadline, warning that defaulters will face severe sanctions. These include site decommissioning, excavation and removal of illegal fill materials, reopening of blocked waterways, as well as arrests and prosecution of violators.
“Enough is enough,” Wahab declared, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and protecting residents from preventable ecological disasters.
