Lagos, Nigeria | September 18, 2025
The Lagos State Government has ordered the suspension of all land reclamation projects across the state, citing mounting concerns over environmental, social, and safety risks associated with such activities.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through his official X account. He explained that the suspension covers both ongoing and proposed reclamation projects, regardless of whether they had secured government approvals or not.
According to Wahab, the decision followed a review of the potential environmental threats reclamation poses to Lagos’s fragile ecosystem, including flooding, coastal erosion, habitat destruction, and disruptions to natural water channels.
“Effective immediately, all land reclamation projects in Lagos State are suspended. This action is in the best interest of our environment and the safety of our residents,” the Commissioner stated.
Environmental experts have long warned that unchecked reclamation activities could worsen flooding in the state, which is already vulnerable due to its coastal location and low-lying topography. In recent years, Lagos has witnessed severe flooding episodes, displacing thousands of residents and damaging infrastructure.
The state government said a comprehensive audit and environmental impact assessment of all reclamation sites will be carried out before any projects are allowed to resume. Developers have also been directed to comply fully with existing environmental regulations or risk permanent revocation of their permits.
Residents and civil society groups have welcomed the suspension, describing it as a proactive step to safeguard Lagos from looming ecological disasters. However, some stakeholders in the real estate and construction sectors have expressed concern about potential economic losses.
The move signals a stronger commitment by the Lagos government to balance urban development with environmental sustainability as the state grapples with rapid population growth and climate change impacts.
