Lagos to begin crackdown on illegal land reclamation October 15

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to commence full-scale enforcement against illegal land reclamation and waterfront encroachment beginning Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The enforcement exercise, which will be coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, follows the expiration of a seven-day grace period granted to violators.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday. He said the government’s decision followed two public notices published in The Punch and The Nation newspapers on September 18 and 19, respectively, warning individuals, developers, and corporate organisations to cease all unauthorised reclamation activities or face sanctions.

Wahab explained that the grace period ended on September 25, and the government could no longer delay enforcement.

“Following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Lagos State Government through public notices published on September 18 and 19, 2025, it has become imperative to notify the general public—particularly those engaging in unauthorised land reclamation and waterfront encroachment—that enforcement actions will commence immediately,” the statement read.

He added that the exercise would involve the removal of all illegal reclamation structures and fillings lacking the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance Certificates.

According to Wahab, any equipment or materials found on unapproved sites will be confiscated, while offenders will face prosecution under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and other applicable regulations.

The commissioner stressed that the government’s action is aimed at safeguarding the environment, mitigating flooding, and ensuring public safety.

Wahab also cautioned the public against purchasing land or property from unapproved reclamation operators, warning that such transactions would be considered illegal.

“The general public is strongly advised to avoid patronising or buying from illegal reclamation operators to avoid falling victim,” he warned.