Lagos State Government Suspends All Land Reclamation Projects Over Environmental Concerns
The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all ongoing and planned land reclamation projects, citing the environmental and social risks posed by unregulated developments across the state.
The directive was announced on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, through an official statement shared on his verified X account.
Scope of the Suspension
According to the ministry, the suspension applies to all reclamation projects regardless of whether they have obtained Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals or drainage clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Wahab noted that uncontrolled reclamation activities have become widespread across sensitive areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Badagry. The ministry expressed concern that many projects on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons are being executed without sufficient oversight.
“The Ministry has observed with grave concern the proliferation of reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and the lagoons across the state without consideration of the adverse impacts on the environment and the wellbeing of residents,” Wahab said.
Environmental and Safety Risks
The government warned that reclamation carried out without proper approvals could worsen flooding, accelerate coastal erosion, reduce biodiversity, and impair water quality. Lagos, being a low-lying coastal city, faces heightened risks from unregulated projects that obstruct natural waterways and reduce lagoon capacity.
While acknowledging that reclamation can support housing and infrastructure development, Wahab stressed that such activities must be carefully managed to avoid long-term environmental damage.
Compliance Measures and Enforcement
The ministry directed all operators to suspend activities immediately and submit their projects for documentation and monitoring. Developers must also undergo fresh EIA assessments and secure drainage clearance before resuming work.
A seven-day compliance window was issued, after which enforcement teams will move to decommission illegal sites, reopen blocked water channels, and prosecute non-compliant developers.
Broader Context
The suspension aligns with Lagos State’s broader environmental protection agenda. Over the past year, the government has taken action against developments encroaching on wetlands and flood-prone areas. In September 2024, the state sealed Maverick Estate in Gbagada for encroaching on designated wetlands, a move that reinforced its stance against illegal construction in ecologically sensitive zones.
By halting reclamation activities, Lagos authorities aim to strengthen urban safety, preserve fragile ecosystems, and mitigate flooding risks as the city continues to grow rapidly.
Outlook
The suspension signals a decisive shift towards stricter environmental regulation in Lagos’ real estate and infrastructure development. For investors and developers, it underscores the increasing importance of compliance with planning and environmental guidelines as the state prioritizes sustainable urban growth over unchecked expansion.
