The Lagos State Government has ordered the suspension of every land reclamation project across the state whether or not developers have permits citing growing environmental and public-safety concerns.
In a statement on Thursday, Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, directed that all approved reclamation projects be submitted for documentation and monitoring, while any ongoing or planned works must undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and obtain drainage clearance from the ministry.
Wahab gave developers seven days to comply, warning that violators risk decommissioning of reclaimed sites, including excavation, removal of fill material, and reopening of blocked water channels on the Lagoon. Offenders will also face arrest and prosecution if found on-site after the deadline.
Hotspots of Concern
The commissioner identified high-risk areas where unauthorized reclamation is widespread, including Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ojo, and Badagry.
Environmental Risks
Wahab highlighted the dangers of unchecked reclamation, noting that Lagos’s low-lying topography and fragile ecosystem cannot withstand ongoing disruptions.
“While reclamation may provide space for housing and infrastructure, it poses significant environmental and social risks including flooding, coastal erosion, loss of wetlands and biodiversity, and deterioration of water quality,” he said.
He emphasized that reclamation projects without proper oversight jeopardize fishing livelihoods, constrict the Lagoon’s natural capacity, and heighten the city’s vulnerability to flooding and coastal erosion.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect residents and the environment, warning that the directive will be enforced vigorously to safeguard Lagos’s delicate coastal ecosystem.
