Lagos State to Remove Illegal Land Reclamation Structures

The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin removing illegal land reclamation structures and prosecuting offenders starting October 15, 2025. The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, via his official X account. The enforcement targets individuals, developers, and companies involved in unauthorized waterfront encroachment and land reclamation.

This decision follows the expiration of a seven-day grace period issued through public notices in September. Despite warnings, some operators continued illegal activities, prompting the government to take action. Wahab stated that the Ministry will remove all reclamation structures and fill materials lacking Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance Certificates. Equipment used in unauthorized projects will be seized, and violators will face prosecution under Lagos State environmental and urban development laws.

Over the weekend, several illegal reclamation sites near the Ikota River in Lekki were sealed, including areas around Partibons Homes Estate and Bee-Forth Estate Phase II. These sites had blocked drainage channels, increasing flood risks. In addition to removing illegal structures, the state plans to integrate estate lakes, canals, and pumps into a Blue-Green Network over the next 24 months to manage stormwater and reduce flash floods. Planned measures include installing flap gates, restoring canal pathways, and expanding drainage systems.

Between 2023 and 2025, Lagos completed maintenance on over 888 kilometers of drainage channels and awarded contracts for 218 new ones. The Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) also cleared 444 kilometers of drains and restored 40 kilometers of encroached waterways. These efforts are part of the state’s long-term flood mitigation strategy, which includes new building regulations requiring on-site water retention in future developments.