The Lagos State government has announced the commencement of strict enforcement against all land reclamation projects carried out without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and drainage clearance across the state.

In a public notice signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the government said the enforcement began today following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to violators.

According to the statement, the ultimatum was announced through public notices published in national newspapers on September 18 and 19, 2025.
“This is 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 expired on September 25, 2025.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and other existing regulations, actions to be taken to enforce the order without any further notice include the removal of all illegal reclamation structures and fillings without the statutory EIA and Drainage Clearance Certificate.

“Others include the seizure of all reclamation equipment and materials found on prohibited sites, as well as the prosecution of offenders in accordance with the Environmental and Urban Development Laws of the state,” the statement added.

It also warned members of the public against patronising or purchasing land from illegal reclamation operators across the state, stressing that the measures were necessary to protect the environment, prevent flooding, and ensure public safety.

The statement urged members of the public and project developers to visit the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources at Block 16, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, to inquire about obtaining EIA approval and drainage clearance.