The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all land reclamation projects across the state, citing serious environmental risks.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the directive in a statement issued on Thursday, expressing concern over the growing number of reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon fronts.
According to Wahab, areas affected include Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, and parts of Ikorodu.
He noted that many of these projects are being carried out without proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals or drainage clearance from the ministry.
“While reclamation supports urban development and housing expansion, it also poses significant risks of flooding, erosion, and long-term ecological damage,” Wahab said. “Lagos’s low-lying topography and fragile ecosystem cannot withstand indiscriminate reclamation without grave consequences.”
In view of these concerns, the Commissioner declared that all reclamation projects across Lagos State—regardless of whether they have EIA approval or drainage clearance—must be suspended immediately. He also stated that all previously approved reclamation projects must be resubmitted to the Ministry for proper documentation and monitoring. Furthermore, all ongoing and proposed projects must undergo the full Environmental Impact Assessment process, including the issuance of an official approval letter and drainage clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
Wahab issued a stern warning that any individual or organisation that fails to comply with this directive within seven days will face strict penalties, including the decommissioning of project sites and possible arrest. He added that the Ministry would begin removing illegal sand fills, reopening blocked water channels, and prosecuting all violators.
“Enough is enough,” he stated firmly.
