- Lagos Begins Crackdown on Illegal Land Reclamation, Waterfront Encroachment
- Enforcement begin from Wednesday, 15 October 2025,
- Wahab warned that any equipment or materials found at unauthorised sites would be seized
The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin full enforcement against illegal land reclamation and waterfront encroachment from Wednesday, 15 October 2025, following the expiration of a seven-day grace period granted to violators.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the enforcement exercise, spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, was confirmed in a statement by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
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According to Wahab, the decision became necessary after the government issued two public notices on 18 and 19 September in The Punch and The Nation newspapers, warning developers, individuals, and corporate bodies involved in unauthorised reclamation to cease all operations or face sanctions.
He said the grace period ended on 25 September, adding that the state would no longer tolerate continued violations of its environmental and planning regulations.
“Following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum given by the Lagos State Government through public notices published in The Punch and The Nation, it has become imperative to notify the general public particularly individuals, developers and corporate bodies engaged in unauthorised land reclamation and waterfront encroachment that enforcement will now commence in full,” Wahab stated.
“In accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and other extant regulations, the Ministry shall begin immediate and full enforcement actions effective Wednesday, 15 October 2025.”
He explained that the exercise would include the removal of all illegal reclamation structures and fillings undertaken without the Statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance Certificate.
Wahab further warned that any equipment or materials found at unauthorised sites would be seized, while offenders would face prosecution under the state’s environmental and urban development laws.
The commissioner emphasised that the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the environment, prevent flooding, and ensure public safety across the state.
He also cautioned members of the public against purchasing land or property from unapproved reclamation operators.
“The general public is hereby warned against patronising or buying from such illegal reclamation operators so as not to fall victim,” Wahab added.
