The Lagos State Government has announced the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, citing widespread environmental violations and looming ecological risks.
In a strongly worded directive issued by the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the government expressed grave concern over the surge in indiscriminate reclamation activities taking place in wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon areas without the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals and drainage clearances.
The Ministry listed Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, Ojo, and Badagry as some of the hotspots where illegal reclamation activities have been reported.
According to Wahab, while reclamation projects are often justified as a means to expand housing and infrastructure, they pose serious environmental and social consequences. These include heightened vulnerability to flooding, increased coastal erosion, destruction of wetlands and biodiversity, disruption of fishing livelihoods, reduced lagoon capacity, and deterioration of water quality.
“With Lagos being a low-lying coastal state, its fragile ecosystem cannot sustain reckless reclamation practices that constrict natural water channels and worsen the flooding crisis,” the Commissioner warned.
The directive mandates that:
All reclamation projects, whether approved or not, are to be suspended immediately.
Developers of previously approved projects must resubmit their documents for proper monitoring.
Ongoing and future projects must undergo full EIA processes and obtain drainage clearance before continuation.
Failure to comply within seven (7) days will attract stiff penalties. The Ministry has vowed to decommission illegal reclaimed sites, including excavation of filled areas, reopening of blocked water channels, and prosecution of culprits.
“Enough is enough. We will not allow the wellbeing and safety of Lagosians to be jeopardized by selfish interests and environmental lawlessness,” Wahab declared.
The Lagos State Government’s move underscores its renewed commitment to sustainable urban development and environmental protection, particularly as the state grapples with perennial flooding and climate change challenges
