LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF ALL RECLAMATION PROJECTS

The Lagos State Government has directed the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, whether or not they have Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and drainage clearance. Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, issued a statement on Thursday conveying the directive personally signed by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

Wahab warned that failure to comply within 7 days will lead to decommissioning of reclaimed sites, excavation, removal of fill, reconnection of blocked water channels, and arrest and prosecution of those involved. “Failure to comply with this directive within the next 7 DAYS will leave the Ministry with no other option than to deploy appropriate machineries to decommission the reclaimed sites including excavation and removal of fill and reconnecting of already blocked water channels on the Lagoon amongst others”, Wahab stated in a statement.

The Commissioner expressed concern over proliferation of reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains and lagoons in areas like Parkview, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu and Badagry, citing adverse environmental impacts. Wahab noted such projects often lack requisite EIA approvals and drainage clearance, posing risks like increased flooding, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss. “While reclamation may provide space for Housing and Infrastructure redevelopment, it also poses significant Environmental and Social risks”, he said.

Kunle Adeshina conveyed Wahab’s position that with Lagos’ low-lying topography and fragile ecosystem, indiscriminate reclamation cannot continue unchecked. The state will take measures against non-compliant projects, aiming to protect environment and citizens’ safety and wellbeing.