The Lagos State Government on Sunday sealed several properties and sites in Lekki over illegal dredging and land reclamation.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, led the joint enforcement team alongside officials from the Ministries of Physical Planning, Environment and Water Resources, and the Lands Bureau.
During the exercise, a building on Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, was sealed for unauthorised reclamation and illegal extension of its premises. Alebiosu described the action of the property owners as “legendary audacity,” noting that the building had been sealed multiple times in the past but construction and social activities continued.
He warned that offenders would face prosecution, which could lead to forfeiture of the reclaimed land.
Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, revealed that the owners originally presented a layout of 1,200 sqm but had illegally expanded it to about 8,000 sqm. “The site is again sealed today. We will revoke all authorities they have on this land,” he said.
The enforcement team also sealed illegal dredging sites at the Lekki Foreshore. Five suspects were arrested, while others fled. A vessel also escaped the scene.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mahmood Adegbite, said illegal operators had blocked three water channels into the lagoon, while his counterpart at Environmental Services, Mobolaji Gaji, noted that the activities had obstructed a primary water channel with potential damage to the ecosystem.
Alebiosu lamented the proliferation of shanties along the lagoon, which he said often serve as hideouts for criminals. He stressed that most operators lacked Environmental Impact Assessment approvals.
He assured Lagosians that the state would intensify the crackdown, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s pledge at the recent Waterfront Summit to protect lives and property under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Environment ordered the suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, citing environmental concerns.
