…orders operators to resubmit approvals within seven days
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has suspended all reclamation projects across the state, regardless of prior approvals, in what officials described as a decisive step to curb environmental abuse and protect residents from looming threats of flooding, erosion, and biodiversity loss.
The order, issued by Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, on Thursday was contained in a statement signed by him and released through the ministry’s spokesman, Mr Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab directed all developers involved in reclamation activities to resubmit their approvals to the ministry within seven days for fresh documentation and monitoring.
According to him, the move became necessary following widespread disregard for established regulations. He stressed that the government would no longer condone reclamation projects that bypass environmental safety standards.
Wahab declared, “Every ongoing or proposed reclamation project must undergo a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and secure drainage clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
“Any site that fails to comply will be decommissioned. This means excavation of filled areas, removal of landfill, and reconnection of blocked water channels to their natural course.”
The Commissioner issued a stern warning that developers who ignore the new directive would face serious legal consequences.
“After the grace period, anyone found on an illegal reclamation site will be arrested and prosecuted,” Wahab warned.
He stressed that the clampdown was not a threat but a government responsibility to protect lives and property.
He condemned the reckless activities of some developers who, he said, had prioritised profit over public safety.
Wahab highlighted several parts of Lagos where reclamation has been carried out indiscriminately. These include Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ojo, and Badagry.
According to him, these locations have become hotspots of environmental abuse, with sensitive wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon corridors being destroyed at an alarming pace.
“We have observed with concern the reckless reclamation of wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons. These activities are carried out without due regard for the environment or for the safety of Lagosians who ultimately bear the consequences,” he said.
While acknowledging that reclamation projects may create space for housing and infrastructure, Wahab insisted that the costs far outweigh the benefits if not properly regulated.
“Reclamation creates land, but it carries a very high price. The dangers include flooding, erosion, destruction of biodiversity, and deterioration of water quality. Lagos cannot afford to ignore these risks,” he explained.
He further noted that unregulated reclamation disrupts natural drainage systems, blocks water channels, and aggravates flood disasters in communities.
The commissioner assured residents that the government would continue to prioritise environmental safety over private interest.
He stressed that the suspension of reclamation projects was not a temporary measure but a critical intervention to preserve the state’s fragile ecosystem.
“We will not fold our arms and allow indiscriminate reclamation of lagoons, wetlands, and floodplains to continue unchecked. This government is committed to protecting both the environment and the millions of people whose lives depend on it,” Wahab affirmed.