The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin full enforcement against illegal land reclamation and waterfront encroachment from Wednesday, October 15, following the expiration of a seven-day grace period granted to violators.
The enforcement, led by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, was confirmed in a statement issued by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab said the move became necessary after two public notices were issued in national newspapers, The Punch and The Nation, on September 18 and 19, warning developers, individuals, and corporate bodies involved in unauthorised reclamation activities to halt operations or face legal consequences.
According to Wahab, the grace period officially ended on September 25, and the state can no longer delay enforcement.
“Following the expiration of a 7-day ultimatum given by the Lagos State Government through two Public Notices published in two separate ANNOUNCEMENTS on September 18th and 19th in the Punch and The Nation newspapers respectively,” Wahab wrote.
“It has become imperative 1. To notify the general public, particularly individuals, developers and corporate bodies engaging in unauthorised land reclamation and waterfront encroachment, that the grace period of SEVEN DAYS for compliance and cessation of illegal reclamation activities as contained in our earlier public notices have since expired on 25th September, 2025.
“2. Consequently, in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and other extant regulations, the Ministry shall commence immediate and full enforcement actions, effective from Wednesday, 15th October, 2025.”
He said the government will begin the “Removal of all illegal reclamation structures and fillings without the Statutory EIA and Drainage Clearance Certificate.”
The commissioner added that any equipment or materials found on sites without proper approval will be seized, and offenders will be prosecuted in line with the state’s environmental and urban development laws.
Wahab noted that the state’s actions are necessary to protect the environment, prevent flooding and ensure public safety within the state.
Wahab also warned the general public against purchasing land or property from unapproved reclamation operators.
“The General Public are hereby warned from patronising or buying from such illegal reclamation operators so as not to fall victim,” Wahab said.
