The Lagos State Government has announced an immediate suspension of all land reclamation activities across the state, citing rising environmental concerns.
Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, disclosed the directive in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to Wahab, the decision was prompted by the surge in reclamation works on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons in areas such as Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Ikorodu, Ojo, Badagry, and parts of the mainland.
He noted that many of the projects were being executed without mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIA) and drainage clearances from the ministry.
“While reclamation may create space for housing and infrastructure, it also exposes the state to severe environmental and social dangers such as flooding, coastal erosion, loss of wetlands and biodiversity, displacement of fishing communities, and deterioration of water quality,” Wahab warned.
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The commissioner stressed that all previously approved reclamation projects must be resubmitted for documentation and monitoring.
He added that new and ongoing projects must undergo fresh EIA processes with clearance from the ministry.
Wahab further cautioned developers to comply with the suspension within seven days or face arrest and prosecution.
He also revealed that the state government may decommission reclaimed sites by excavating sand-filled areas and reopening blocked water channels.