The Lagos State Government has suspended reclamation projects across the state, with or without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals and Drainage Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
In a statement signed by the Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, on Thursday, the Ministry decried the proliferation of reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and the lagoons across the state.
Wahab highlighted areas including Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne and other parts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Badagry axis, where projects are being undertaken without consideration for their adverse impacts on the environment and the wellbeing and safety of residents.
“These indiscriminate Reclamation projects are being executed without requisite Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Approvals and Drainage Clearance from this Ministry.
“While reclamation may provide space for Housing and Infrastructure development, it also poses significant Environmental and Social risks including increased vulnerability to flooding, coastal erosion, disruption of livelihood (especially fishing), loss of wetlands and biodiversity, constriction of the Lagoons and their capacity, impairment of water quality amongst others.
“With the low-lying topography of the State and its fragile ecosystem, the State Government cannot afford to allow this indiscriminate reclamation of the Lagoons, Wetlands and floodplains to continue unabated. Consequently, the Ministry is by this Notice directing all Reclamation Projects across the State with or without EIA approval and Drainage Clearance to be SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY,” the statement noted.
The Commissioner explained that all approved reclamation projects must be submitted for proper documentation and monitoring, while all ongoing and intending ones must be subjected to the EIA process with issuance of approval letter and Drainage Clearance from the Ministry.
He warned that failure to comply with this directive within seven days of the notice would compel the Ministry to deploy appropriate machineries to decommission the reclaimed sites, including excavation and removal of fill, reconnection of blocked water channels on the lagoon, and arrest and prosecution of anyone involved or found on the site of the illegality.
