The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, citing grave environmental and social risks posed by ongoing activities in wetlands, floodplains and lagoon areas.
This was contained in a statement titled “Immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state with or without EIA approval and drainage clearance”, signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, on Friday.PUNCH Online reports that the directive underscores the state government’s growing concern over the effects of uncontrolled urban expansion on Lagos’ environment, especially as climate change intensifies the threats of flooding and coastal erosion.Lagos, one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world, has battled recurrent flooding, coastal erosion and ecological degradation linked to unregulated development.
Experts have consistently warned that unchecked land reclamation could endanger millions of residents, particularly in low-lying communities.
According to the ministry, several reclamation works have been carried out indiscriminately across the state, including in highbrow areas such as Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah and Oworonshoki, as well as parts of the Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo and Badagry.
