The Lagos State Government has announced the suspension of all ongoing and proposed land reclamation projects across the state. This decision, according to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, comes after concerns over the serious environmental and social dangers linked to unchecked reclamation activities.

Wahab explained that several projects were being carried out on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon fronts in high-risk areas such as Banana Island, Parkview, Osborne, Lekki, Victoria Island Extension, Ajah, Ikorodu, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ojo, and Badagry. He noted that many of these projects lacked Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and proper drainage approvals from the ministry.

Highlighting the risks, the commissioner warned that reckless reclamation could lead to severe flooding, coastal erosion, loss of wetlands, reduced lagoon capacity, damage to water quality, and threats to the livelihoods of fishing communities. Given Lagos’ fragile coastal terrain, the government, he said, would not allow such practices to continue unchecked.

As part of the suspension, all approved projects must be resubmitted to the ministry for documentation, review, and monitoring. In addition, new and ongoing reclamation activities will only continue after a full EIA process and necessary clearances. Wahab gave a seven-day compliance deadline, stressing that violators would face sanctions such as site closures, removal of illegal fills, reopening of blocked waterways, and possible arrests or prosecutions. “Enough is enough,” he declared, reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding residents from environmental disasters.