The Lagos State Authorities has intensified its crackdown on unlawful reclamation and dredging actions alongside the Lagos Lagoon, sealing a number of websites within the Lekki space and arresting 5 suspects.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Growth (MWID), Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed this in an announcement issued via the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Morenikeji Akodu, on Sunday in Lagos.
In line with him, the monitoring and enforcement train was collectively performed with the Ministry of Bodily Planning and City Growth, the Ministry of the Surroundings and Water Assets, and the Lands Bureau.
Unlawful reclamation at Admiralty Manner
Through the train, officers sealed a constructing on Admiralty Manner, Lekki Part 1, for allegedly participating in unlawful reclamation works and finishing up an unauthorised extension of its fence with out approval.
Alebiosu described the actions of the perpetrators as an act of “legendary audacity” carried out with blatant disregard for the regulation.
“This explicit constructing has been sealed on a number of events by all of the related ministries since final 12 months, but the house owners have continued with building and social actions with none regard,” he stated.
He added that the state authorities would prosecute the offenders, stressing that the method may result in forfeiture of the illegally reclaimed land, whereas recovered sand can be diverted for different productive makes use of.
Property enlargement from 1,200 sqm to eight,000 sqm
The Commissioner for Bodily Planning, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, defined that the property proprietor had initially offered a 1,200 sqm structure in 2024 however had expanded it illegally to about 8,000 sqm.
“The positioning is once more sealed right this moment. We’ll revoke all of the authorities they’ve on this land. The development is just not absolutely accomplished, but individuals are nonetheless partying there, which places lives in danger. That’s the reason we’re sealing off this place,” he stated.
Everlasting Secretary, Workplace of Drainage Companies, Mr. Mahmood Adegbite, stated three water channels main into the lagoon had been blocked by unlawful operators.
He warned that such actions may worsen flooding and disrupt pure drainage techniques.
Equally, Everlasting Secretary, Workplace of Environmental Companies, Mr. Mobolaji Gaji, stated a stop-work order had been issued earlier. He defined that the operations had obstructed a major water channel, with potential unfavorable results on the ecosystem.
“We’ve got sealed the place and are ready for them to supply their papers. We should monitor each reclamation. There’s an excessive amount of unlawful reclamation occurring, and we intend to implement the regulation,” he stated.
Crackdown at Lekki Foreshore
Alebiosu confirmed that the enforcement staff additionally visited the Lekki Foreshore, the place a number of unlawful dredging and reclamation websites have been found and sealed.
“We’ve got no information of functions for reclamation works alongside this axis. These operations are unlawful. A few of the dredging stretches so far as 7km into the lagoon, with no file of the sand extracted, which is then used for unlawful reclamation works,” he stated.
He added that 5 suspects have been apprehended throughout the operation, whereas others fled the scene, together with one vessel that escaped.
The commissioner additionally raised issues concerning the unfold of shanties alongside the lagoon, noting that they typically function hideouts for legal components.
Extra insights
Alebiosu linked the enforcement train to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication on the just lately concluded Waterfront Summit, the place he pledged to accentuate actions towards unlawful dredging and reclamation.
He harassed that the Lagos State Authorities would proceed to guard its waterfronts according to the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Growth Agenda.
“The Lagos State Authorities will proceed to guard its waterfronts and lagoons towards abuse, and offenders will face the total weight of the regulation,” Alebiosu warned.
The enforcement staff additionally inspected the Ilubirin housing venture to evaluate waterfront actions.
Different companies represented included the Govt Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Mrs. Lolade Ajetumobi, and the Basic Supervisor of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Retired Maj. Olaniyi Cole.
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