“Immediate Suspension Of Reclamation Projects” — Lagos Govt Halts Works Over Environmental Risks
The Lagos State Government Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has announced the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state over their adverse impacts on the environment and the well-being and safety of Lagosians.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Ministry expressed concern over the proliferation of reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and the lagoons across the State, particularly around Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, and other parts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo, and the Badagry axis.
Wahab stated that the indiscriminate reclamation projects are being executed without requisite Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals and drainage clearance from this Ministry.
“While reclamation may provide space for housing and infrastructure development, it also poses significant environmental and social risks, including increased vulnerability to flooding, coastal erosion, disruption of livelihood (especially fishing), loss of wetlands and biodiversity, constriction of the lagoons and their capacity, and impairment of water quality, amongst others,” he stated.
“With the low-lying topography of the State and its fragile ecosystem, the State Government cannot afford to allow this indiscriminate reclamation of the lagoons, wetlands, and floodplains to continue unabated.”
Wahab, however, warned that failure to comply with the directive within seven days would attract stiff enforcement measures, including the decommissioning of sites, excavation and removal of illegal fills, reopening of blocked water channels, and arrest and prosecution of violators.
