By Ademuyiwa Balikis
The Lagos State Government has announced an immediate suspension of all reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons across the state, citing grave environmental and safety concerns.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the government noted the growing trend of indiscriminate reclamation, particularly in Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Ikorodu, Ojo, Badagry, and other parts of the state.
According to the ministry, many of these projects are being carried out without the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals and drainage clearance, posing serious risks to the environment and residents.
While acknowledging that reclamation can create space for housing and infrastructure, the government stressed that it also brings significant dangers such as increased flooding, coastal erosion, loss of wetlands and biodiversity, water pollution, and the disruption of livelihoods, especially fishing.
“With the low lying topography of the state and its fragile ecosystem, the government cannot allow this indiscriminate reclamation to continue unabated,” the statement read.
The ministry directed all ongoing reclamation projects, whether approved or not, to stop immediately. It further ordered that all approved projects must be resubmitted for proper documentation and monitoring. Any intending projects, it added, must undergo a full EIA process and obtain official approval and drainage clearance before commencement.
The government gave operators a seven day ultimatum to comply, warning that failure to do so would result in the decommissioning of reclaimed sites. This includes excavation of filled areas, reopening of blocked water channels, as well as the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
“Enough is enough,” Wahab declared, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and safeguarding the wellbeing of Lagos residents.
