Lagos State Orders Immediate Suspension of All Reclamation Projects
By Adeyemi Obadimu
The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has announced the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, with or without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and drainage clearance.
In a public notice signed by the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Ministry expressed grave concern over the growing wave of indiscriminate reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons within the state. Areas particularly highlighted include Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, and other parts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo, and the Badagry axis.
According to the Ministry, many of these projects are being carried out without due approval, posing significant environmental and social risks. These include flooding, coastal erosion, disruption of livelihoods especially fishing loss of wetlands and biodiversity, constriction of lagoon channels, and impairment of water quality.
“The low-lying topography of Lagos and its fragile ecosystem cannot withstand the continued indiscriminate reclamation of wetlands and floodplains. The government will not allow this to continue unabated,” the statement read.
The Ministry emphasized that all ongoing and intended reclamation projects must now undergo proper documentation and monitoring, including submission to the EIA process, with official clearance from the Ministry. Failure to comply within seven days of the directive will result in the deployment of government machinery to decommission illegal sites. This will include excavation, removal of fill materials, and reconnection of already blocked water channels. Offenders will also face arrest and prosecution.
Mr. Wahab reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting the environment and safeguarding the wellbeing of Lagos residents. “Enough is enough,” he declared.
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