Lagos State Orders Immediate Halt to All Land Reclamation Projects Over Environmental Concerns

The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has issued a stern directive mandating the immediate suspension of all land reclamation projects across the state. This applies to all ongoing and planned operations, whether or not they have obtained the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals and drainage clearances.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, expressed serious concern over the unchecked rise in reclamation activities particularly in sensitive ecological zones such as wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons. Notable areas affected include Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne in Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo, Badagry, and surrounding locales.

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While land reclamation offers opportunities for expanding housing and infrastructure, Wahab highlighted the significant risks it poses to the environment and public safety if executed without proper regulatory oversight. These risks include increased flooding, coastal erosion, loss of biodiversity, disruption of vital fisheries, pollution, reduction in lagoon water capacity, and degradation of wetlands that serve as natural buffers.

The Ministry has directed that all reclamation projects with prior approvals must now be resubmitted for thorough documentation and ongoing monitoring. Furthermore, all active and proposed projects require fresh Environmental Impact Assessments accompanied by official EIA approval letters and drainage clearances issued by the Ministry.

A seven-day compliance window has been set. Failure to adhere will result in decisive government action involving the deployment of machinery to undo illicit reclamation works. This includes excavation and removal of fill materials and reopening blocked waterways. The Ministry also warned of arrests and prosecution of violators and unauthorized personnel found on such sites.

In his declaration, Wahab emphatically declared, “Enough is enough.” The government is resolute in safeguarding Lagos state’s fragile ecosystem and the wellbeing of its residents by curbing indiscriminate reclamation activities that threaten environmental stability and social welfare.