In a bold move to protect its fragile coastal ecosystem, the Lagos State Government has launched a renewed crackdown on illegal land reclamation activities threatening its waterways and environment.
EpeInsights reports that the directive, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was announced by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, during a press briefing on Monday.
According to Alebiosu, unauthorized land reclamation activities, especially those that intrude upon or narrow Lagos’ critical waterways, will now attract heavy penalties, including the automatic forfeiture of 50% of the reclaimed land to the state government, in addition to market-value fines.
“This is more than a policy, it’s a firm deterrent,” Alebiosu stated.
“We’re responding to a growing environmental crisis. Unregulated reclamation is not only choking our lagoons and canals, but it’s also harming marine biodiversity and endangering public safety.”
To outsmart offenders who often operate at night, the commissioner revealed the state is deploying digital surveillance and GIS technology, enabling remote monitoring from government offices in real time.
This is being done in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the eGIS unit.
“Some of these illegal acts are carried out when everyone’s asleep,” he explained. “We can’t be everywhere physically, but technology gives us eyes on the waterways, 24/7.”
The Commissioner emphasized that Lagos’ lagoon is not just a landmark, it’s a lifeline.
“Our seafood comes from it. Our boreholes draw water from near it. But human abuse — reckless dredging, dumping, reclamation, is polluting the system. And when we hurt nature, nature pushes back.”
In response, the ministry is combining enforcement with advocacy, engaging waterfront communities to promote eco-conscious habits and shared responsibility.
“Laws alone don’t change behavior, but education does,” he said.
“We’re rolling out boats, patrol vehicles, and public education campaigns. I see myself as a fixer — and this, we can fix.”
The crackdown aligns with global efforts, including the 2025 World Ocean Day theme which centers on sustainability and responsible marine interaction.
Lagos is taking that message seriously, Alebiosu added, stating, “The age of impunity on our waterways is over.”
As Lagos continues its expansion and modernization, the state says it’s drawing a clear line between growth and environmental abuse — insisting that development must never come at the cost of ecological destruction.
