Lagos orders suspension of all land reclamation projects, issues warning to defaulters

Lagos orders suspension of all land reclamation projects, issues warning to defaulters

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state over environmental concerns.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the directive in a statement on Thursday, warning that unchecked activities on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons posed serious risks.

He said the ministry observed the proliferation of projects in areas such as Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, and parts of Ikorodu, many of which lacked proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals and drainage clearance.

“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 must be submitted for documentation and monitoring, while ongoing and intending ones must undergo the Environmental Impact Assessment process with issuance of an approval letter and drainage clearance from the ministry,” Wahab stated.

He further warned that non-compliance within seven days would attract strict sanctions, including site decommissioning and arrest of violators. The ministry, he added, will also remove illegal fills, reopen blocked water channels, and prosecute offenders.

“Enough is enough,” Wahab declared, stressing that the state could no longer tolerate practices that jeopardise its environment and expose residents to flooding.

The commissioner emphasised that the government’s resolve is to enforce environmental laws strictly to protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and ensure sustainable urban development in Lagos.