NIGERIA: Lagos State Orders Immediate Suspension of Reclamation Projects

by Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Lagos State Government has directed an immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, warning that non-compliance will attract tough sanctions.

The order, issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, affects ongoing and planned reclamation activities in areas such as Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Ikorodu, Ojo, Badagry, and parts of the Lagos Mainland.

According to the Ministry, many of these projects are being executed without mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals and drainage clearance.

The government expressed concern that such activities are worsening environmental risks, including flooding, coastal erosion, water pollution, and the destruction of wetlands and livelihoods.

Wahab said: “Consequently, the Ministry is by this notice directing all reclamation projects across the state with or without EIA approval and drainage clearance to be suspended immediately.”

The government has also given a seven-day ultimatum for all approved projects to be submitted for proper documentation and monitoring. New and ongoing projects must undergo the EIA process and obtain official approvals.

The Commissioner warned that failure to comply will result in decommissioning of sites, excavation of reclaimed areas, reopening of blocked water channels, and the arrest and prosecution of defaulters.

Wahab stressed that with Lagos’ low-lying topography and fragile ecosystem, “enough is enough” for indiscriminate reclamation that endangers both the environment and residents.