Summary of Lagos State’s Crackdown on Illegal Land Reclamation & Flood Control Efforts (as of September 2025)
This article details Lagos State’s intensified efforts too combat illegal land reclamation and waterfront encroachment, and its broader strategy for flood control and environmental resilience. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Problem:
* Illegal Reclamation: unauthorized land reclamation and waterfront encroachment are rampant, blocking drainage channels and considerably contributing to frequent flooding, especially during the rainy season.
* Continued Violations: Despite public warnings issued in The punch and The nation newspapers on September 18th & 19th, 2025, with a grace period ending September 25th, many operators continued illegal activities.
Government Response & Enforcement (Effective Instantly After Sept 25th, 2025):
* Strict Measures: The government is now enforcing the following without further notice:
* Removal of illegal structures and fillings lacking proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance Certificates.
* seizure of equipment and materials from prohibited sites.
* Prosecution of offenders under Lagos State environmental and Urban Development Laws.
* Recent Actions: Several illegal reclamation sites near the Ikota river (Partibons Homes Estate & Bee-Forth Estate Phase II in Lekki) were sealed off over the weekend. These sites were found to be blocking key drainage routes.
* Warnings: The government warns against collaboration with illegal developers or obstructing enforcement teams, citing potential legal and physical risks.
Long-Term flood control & Environmental Resilience Plan (Blue-Green Network):
* Integrated Approach: The crackdown is part of a larger plan integrating flood control, urban development, and ecological restoration.
* Blue-Green network: A 24-month plan to connect estate lakes, canals, and pumps into a network to reduce flash floods. This includes:
* Installation of flap gates.
* Restoration of canal rights-of-way.
* Expansion of major drainage channels.
* Past Achievements (2023-2025):
* Maintenance of 579km of secondary collectors and 309km of primary channels.
* Construction of 218 new drainage channels.
* Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) cleared 444km of drains and restored 40km of encroached channels.
* Pilot program developing estate lakes for drainage and flood prevention.
* Future building Approvals: New building approvals will require on-site water retention provisions.
Government Commitment & Public Appeal:
* The government is committed to enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring the sustainability of the coastal system.
* Residents are encouraged to report illegal reclamation sites to the authorities.
In essence, Lagos State is taking a firm stance against illegal land reclamation, combining immediate enforcement with a extensive, long-term strategy to mitigate flooding and protect its habitat.
