The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal reclamation and dredging activities along the Lagos Lagoon, sealing off several sites and arresting suspects during a monitoring and enforcement exercise in the Lekki axis.
The exercise, led by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, was carried out in collaboration with the Ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Environment and Water Resources, and the Lands Bureau.
During the operation, officials sealed a property at 13A Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, over illegal reclamation works and unauthorized fence extensions. Alebiosu described the actions of the perpetrators as acts of “legendary audacity” and confirmed that the state will prosecute the offenders, with the possibility of forfeiting the illegally reclaimed land.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, revealed that the property owner initially presented an approved 1,200sqm layout but had illegally expanded the site to 8,000sqm. “The construction isn’t complete, yet people are already partying there, which puts lives at risk,” he said.
The enforcement team also sealed multiple illegal dredging and reclamation sites at the Lekki Foreshore, arresting five suspects while others escaped.
Officials noted that these activities were carried out without Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and have blocked several natural water channels into the lagoon, threatening the ecosystem.
Permanent Secretaries Mahmood Adegbite (Office of Drainage Services) and Mobolaji Gaji (Office of Environmental Services) emphasized that illegal operators have disrupted water channels and endangered the environment.
Alebiosu reaffirmed that the enforcement was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive following the recent Waterfront Summit, where the State vowed to protect its waterways under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
He warned that Lagos will not tolerate illegal activities threatening lives, property, and the environment.
The team also inspected the Ilubirin housing project waterfront to monitor ongoing activities.
