The Lagos State Government has stepped up its enforcement against illegal dredging and land reclamation, sealing multiple sites and arresting five suspects during a monitoring exercise across the Lekki axis.
EpeInsights learnt that the operation, led by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, in collaboration with the Ministries of Physical Planning, Environment and Water Resources, and the Lands Bureau, targeted illegal structures and activities threatening the Lagos Lagoon.
One major site at 13A Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase I, was sealed for carrying out unauthorised reclamation and illegal fence extensions. Despite being sealed several times in the past year, the owners allegedly continued construction and hosted social events at the property. Describing the defiance as “legendary audacity,” Hon. Alebiosu said the state would prosecute offenders, stressing that forfeiture of the reclaimed land was possible.
Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, revealed that the property owner had originally presented a layout of 1,200sqm but illegally expanded it to 8,000sqm. “We will revoke all authorities they have on this land. Construction is incomplete, yet they are hosting parties there, putting lives at risk,” he said.
At the Lekki Foreshore, the enforcement team uncovered several illegal dredging sites, some stretching up to 7km into the lagoon, with no records of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Five suspects were arrested, while others escaped on sighting officials.
Officials lamented the environmental hazards caused by such activities, including blocked water channels, ecosystem disruption, and the emergence of shanties serving as criminal hideouts. “These operations are illegal and will not be tolerated,” Hon. Alebiosu reiterated, warning that Lagos will no longer condone reckless abuse of its waterfronts.
The monitoring exercise follows the recently concluded Lagos Waterfront Summit, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged a tougher stance against illegal reclamation to safeguard lives, property, and the environment in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda.
Other top government officials, including the Executive Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Lolade Ajetumobi, and General Manager of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Cole (Rtd), joined the operation.
