The Lagos State Government has announced plans to take full enforcement action against individuals and organisations involved in illegal land reclamation and waterfront encroachment across the state.
The statement, issued on Monday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the move.
Enforcement is set to begin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued through public notices in The PUNCH and The Nation newspapers on September 18 and 19.
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Wahab noted that the grace period for halting all illegal reclamation activities expired on September 25, 2025, adding that the government would now strictly implement environmental laws.
“It has become imperative to notify the general public, particularly individuals, developers, and corporate bodies engaging in unauthorised land reclamation and waterfront encroachment, that the grace period of seven days for compliance and cessation of illegal reclamation activities has since expired,” the statement said.
He explained that, in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and other existing regulations, the following actions would be taken immediately, without further notice:
“Removal of all illegal reclamation structures and fillings without statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance Certificates.
“Seizure of all reclamation equipment and materials found on prohibited sites.
“Prosecution of offenders in accordance with environmental and urban development laws of the state,” Wahab added.
The commissioner emphasised that these measures are necessary to protect the environment, prevent flooding, and ensure public safety.
He also warned residents against buying land from illegal reclamation operators to avoid being penalised.
“Enough is enough,” Wahab declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring order and safeguarding the state’s coastal and waterfront areas.
The Lagos Government had earlier ordered the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, citing the severe environmental and social risks posed by ongoing activities in wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon areas.
Tokunbo Wahab warned of strict enforcement measures against violators, including site decommissioning, prosecution, and arrest of culprits.
He added that failure to comply with this directive within seven days of the publication would leave the Ministry with no choice but to deploy machinery to decommission illegal reclamation sites.
