By Omodele Adigun
The Lagos State Government on Thursday ordered an immediate suspension of all land reclamation projects across the state, citing mounting environmental and social risks.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave this directive via his official X account on Thursday.
Wahab decried the reclamation of wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons—including Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Badagry.
Noting that the reclamation had become rampant without proper oversight, the commissioner announced that the suspension covers both ongoing and planned reclamation activities, regardless of whether they have secured Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals or drainage clearance from the ministry.
His words, “The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MOE&WR) has observed with grave concern the proliferation of reclamation activities on Wetlands, Floodplains and the Lagoons across the State, particularly around Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne and other parts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo and Badagry axis, without consideration of the adverse impacts on the Environment and the Wellbeing and Safety of the good people of the State.
“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.”
The ministry warned that unregulated reclamation projects could heighten flooding risks, worsen coastal erosion, disrupt livelihoods, reduce biodiversity, and contaminate water resources.
“All approved Reclamation Projects across the State must be submitted for proper Documentation and Monitoring, while all ongoing and intending ones must be subjected to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process with issuance of Approval Letter and Drainage Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources,” the directive stated.
The ministry stressed that defaulters would face strict enforcement measures.
It said that any reclamation project not halted within seven days would be dismantled, with actions including excavation, removal of sand fill, and the reopening of blocked lagoon channels.
Individuals found involved in illegal activities also risk arrest and prosecution.
