The Lagos State Government has declared that it will begin strict enforcement against individuals and organisations involved in illegal land reclamation and waterfront encroachment across the state.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday, the 13th of October, 2025, by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
According to Wahab, the enforcement will start on Wednesday, the 15th of October, 2025, after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued on the 18th and 19th of September.
He explained that the grace period for compliance, which temporarily halted all unauthorised reclamation activities, ended on the 25th of September, 2025. With the deadline over, the government will now proceed with enforcement measures without delay.
“It has become necessary to inform the general public, particularly individuals, developers, and corporate entities involved in unauthorised reclamation or waterfront encroachment, that the grace period for compliance has lapsed,” the statement read.
Wahab said the enforcement will be guided by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 and other existing regulations. He stated that the government will remove all illegal reclamation structures and fillings carried out without approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance Certificates. Equipment and materials found at unauthorised sites will be seized, and offenders will face prosecution under relevant environmental and urban development laws.
The commissioner stressed that the operation is vital to safeguard the environment, prevent flooding, and protect public safety.
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He also warned residents against buying land from illegal reclamation operators, saying such transactions will not be recognised by the government.
“Enough is enough,” Wahab declared, reaffirming the government’s determination to restore order and protect Lagos’ coastal and waterfront areas.
The announcement comes after the state government earlier suspended all reclamation projects across Lagos due to environmental and social risks linked to ongoing activities in wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon zones.
Wahab added that anyone who fails to comply with the directive will have their reclaimed sites decommissioned and will be arrested and prosecuted.