The Lagos State government has announced a stringent crackdown on unauthorized land reclamation activities. Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved this new directive.
Alebiosu stated that any illegal reclamation, especially those that encroach upon or constrict the state’s waterways, will lead to the automatic forfeiture of half the reclaimed land to the Lagos State government, alongside substantial fines based on open market value.
According to Alebiosu, “This is not just policy on paper; it’s an active deterrent. We want to stop the tide of illegal reclamation that is threatening our marine life, obstructing navigation, and damaging the environment.”
He highlighted collaboration with agencies like the ICT Ministry and the eGIS team to monitor waterways remotely.
“Some of these illegal activities are perpetrated when everyone has gone to sleep, not only that, we can’t be on waters 24-7, but with this new technology, we can monitor to see what is going on from our various offices.”
He emphasized the lagoon’s critical role, describing it as a cornerstone of Lagos’ ecosystem and economy. “We live on the lagoon. It feeds us — with seafood, fresh fish, even the water in our boreholes. But there’s been a tendency to abuse it: illegal dredging, dumping, reckless reclamation. When we disturb the lagoon, nature fights back.”
Alebiosu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcement, stating, “Some still challenge government authority, but we are not relenting. We are monitoring constantly — by boat and by road. Since I became Commissioner, we have not stopped enforcement.”
He also addressed the environmental impact of human activities, noting, “Laws may not change the hearts of men, but they can reshape their habits. That’s why we are pairing enforcement with advocacy and sustained community engagement.”
He added, “Our boats are ready, our vehicles are on the road, and more are coming. I approach issues like a fixer — no problem is unsolvable, except death.”
Aligning with the 2025 World Ocean Day theme of sustainability and responsible marine interaction, Alebiosu declared,
“With the 2025 World Ocean Day theme focused on sustainability and responsible interaction with marine ecosystems, we are leading by example — sending a strong message that the age of impunity around our waterways is over.”
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