Lagos Government Cracks Down on Illegal Dredging and Reclamation Along Lekki Axis

The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID) has intensified its fight against illegal reclamation and dredging activities along the Lekki shoreline of the Lagos Lagoon.

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed this during a joint monitoring and enforcement exercise carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and the Lands Bureau.

Buildings and Illegal Reclamation Sites Sealed

During the operation, the enforcement team sealed a property whose owner had illegally reclaimed land and extended a building’s fence without approval. Alebiosu described the actions as a display of “legendary audacity” and lamented the repeated disregard for government orders, stating that the building had previously been sealed on multiple occasions.

He confirmed that the state government would prosecute offenders, which could result in the forfeiture of illegally reclaimed land. Recovered sand from such sites will be diverted for more productive uses.

Expansion Beyond Approval

According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, the property owner had initially received approval for 1,200 sqm but had illegally expanded to nearly 8,000 sqm. Despite the construction being incomplete, the premises had been used for social gatherings, posing safety risks.

Oluyinka emphasized that the site had been sealed again, with authorities moving to revoke all approvals.

Environmental Impact and Blocked Waterways

Officials raised concerns about the environmental damage caused by the illegal reclamation.

• Mr. Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, noted that three major water channels into the lagoon were blocked, potentially worsening flooding.

• Mr. Mobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary for Environmental Services, warned that a primary drainage channel was also obstructed, endangering the lagoon’s ecosystem.

Both offices confirmed that stop-work orders had been issued previously, but the illegal activities persisted.

Crackdown on Illegal Sand Dealing and Dredging

The enforcement team also discovered several illegal dredging and reclamation sites along the Lekki Foreshore, which were immediately sealed. Five suspects were arrested, while others fled upon sighting the officials.

Alebiosu expressed concern over the scale of sand-dealing operations, some stretching up to 7km into the lagoon, without any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals. He further noted the proliferation of shanties along the lagoon, often serving as criminal hideouts.

Government’s Commitment

The commissioner stressed that the exercise followed commitments made at the recent Waterfront Summit, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu vowed to intensify the crackdown on illegal reclamation to protect lives, property, and the environment under the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda.

“We have no records of applications for reclamation works along this axis. These operations are illegal, and offenders will face the full weight of the law,” Alebiosu declared.

Wider Suspension of Reclamation Projects

Earlier this month, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment ordered the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state. The move followed concerns that many projects on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons lacked EIA approvals and proper drainage clearances.

The Road Ahead

As Lagos continues to expand rapidly, the government insists it will not compromise on protecting its waterfronts and natural ecosystems. Illegal dredging and reclamation, it warns, not only endanger lives and property but also worsen flooding and erode the city’s resilience against climate change.