The Lagos State Government has directed the suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, warning that ongoing activities on wetlands, floodplains and lagoons are posing serious environmental and safety risks.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the government expressed concern over the increasing number of reclamation activities being carried out in areas such as Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo and Badagry.

According to the ministry, many of these projects are being executed without the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals or drainage clearance, in violation of state regulations.

While acknowledging that reclamation creates space for housing and infrastructure, the commissioner stressed that it also comes with severe environmental and social consequences. These include flooding, coastal erosion, water pollution, the destruction of wetlands and biodiversity, loss of fishing livelihoods, and a reduction in the natural capacity of lagoons.

“Given the low-lying topography of Lagos and its fragile ecosystem, the government cannot allow indiscriminate reclamation to continue unchecked,” the statement read.

As part of the new directive, all reclamation projects whether approved or not are to be suspended immediately. The ministry further ordered that all approved projects must be resubmitted for proper documentation and monitoring, while ongoing or planned projects must undergo the full EIA process before receiving clearance.

The government gave a seven-day deadline for compliance, after which it vowed to take decisive action. Measures would include decommissioning reclaimed sites, reopening blocked lagoon channels, and prosecuting offenders found on illegal reclamation sites.

“Enough is enough,” Wahab warned, emphasizing the state’s readiness to protect its environment and safeguard residents from avoidable risks.