The Lagos State Government has declared that it will commence full-scale enforcement against illegal land reclamation and waterfront encroachment from Wednesday, October 15, after the expiration of a seven-day grace period granted to offenders.
The enforcement exercise, spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, was announced in a statement by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab stated that the decision followed the issuance of two public notices published in The Punch and The Nation newspapers on September 18 and 19, warning individuals, developers, and corporate entities involved in unapproved reclamation works to desist or face prosecution.
According to him, the grace period officially lapsed on September 25, and the government could no longer postpone enforcement.
“Following the expiration of a 7-day ultimatum given by the Lagos State Government through two Public Notices published in two separate ANNOUNCEMENTS on September 18th and 19th in the Punch and The Nation newspapers respectively,” Wahab wrote.
“It has become imperative 1. 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 as contained in our earlier public notices have since expired on 25th September, 2025.
“2. Consequently, in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and other extant regulations, the Ministry shall commence immediate and full enforcement actions, effective from Wednesday, 15th October, 2025.”
He explained that the operation would involve the removal of all illegal reclamation structures and fillings that lack the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance Certificate.
The commissioner also said that any machinery or materials discovered at unauthorized sites would be confiscated, while violators would be prosecuted under Lagos State’s environmental and urban development laws.
Wahab emphasized that the government’s intervention was vital to safeguard the environment, mitigate flooding, and ensure public safety across the state.
Wahab further cautioned the public against purchasing land or properties from unapproved reclamation agents.
“The General Public are hereby warned from patronising or buying from such illegal reclamation operators so as not to fall victim,” Wahab said.
