April 7, 2025
As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Lagos’ waterfront corridors and uphold physical planning regulations across the state, the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID) has issued over 100 contravention notices and 10 stop-work against illegal land reclamation in Ikota, Lekki.
The Honourable Commissioner for Honourable Ekundayo Alebiosu gave the directives for the issuance of the contravention notices and stop-work order when he led a routine monitoring exercise along Ikota Creek, Eleganza, Lekki.
The operation was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to the State Government’s waterfront setback compliance and building regulations across the waterfront.
The contravention notices and stop-work orders were served on structures found to be encroaching on the natural creek corridor. The enforcement actions came on the heels of alarming discoveries, including unauthorised reclamation activities and deliberate attempts to illegally alter the natural course of the waterway.
Speaking during the exercise, Honourable Alebiosu stated that the waterfronts are not dumping grounds or free-for-all zones. He said that they are critical natural buffers that must be protected for current and future generations at all costs.
“Any form of illegal encroachment planned or executed by any individual will be heavily resisted by the Ministry and will carry dire consequences.” he stated.
Alebiosu further ordered an immediate cessation of all unauthorised reclamation works, warning that such activities pose long-term environmental and infrastructural risks to surrounding communities.
The Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the protection and sustainable management of Lagos’ waterfronts, adding that MWID will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour.
“We owe it to Lagosians to preserve our coastal assets, therefore the Ministry remains fully committed to protecting these ecosystems and ensuring full compliance with all relevant constructions laws pertaining to the waterfront,” he added.
Honourable Alebiosu, therefore, urged all developers and residents to seek proper approvals and respect designated waterfront setback zones to support the State Government’s vision in accordance with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda for a sustainable and habitable metropolis.
