Lagos State: Governor Issues Strong Warning on Wetland Building Ban

• Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu warned against building on wetlands and drainage channels due to increased flood and erosion risks.
• The state government suspended reclamation activities in September 2025 for projects lacking required Environmental Impact Assessments and other approvals.
• Lagos's coastal location and low-lying terrain make wetland protection critical for public safety and as a natural defense against environmental threats.
• All development in Lagos must secure drainage and environmental approvals, including comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments.
• The warning was delivered on October 17, 2026, at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation's 20th annual Walk for Nature event.

The Governor underscored that all development projects within Lagos must successfully undergo rigorous drainage and environmental approval processes, which critically include obtaining the necessary environmental impact assessments and related permits.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has issued a strong caution to residents and developers regarding construction activities on wetlands and drainage channels across the state. The Governor emphasized that such actions significantly heighten Lagos's susceptibility to severe flooding and coastal erosion, posing a direct threat to public safety and infrastructure. This critical message was delivered on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) 20th annual Walk for Nature event, held at Makanjuola Hall, Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo.

Represented by Dr. Gaji Tajudeen, the Permanent Secretary for the Office of Environmental Services within the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos's unique geographical challenges. Its coastal location, predominantly low-lying terrain, and rapidly expanding population make the preservation of wetlands absolutely essential for the safety and well-being of its inhabitants. The event, themed “Inspired for Climate Action,” also featured a public road walk from the LASU campus to the Iyana School Bus Stop along the LASU-Isheri Road, underscoring the urgency of environmental awareness.

The Governor's warning comes amidst recent concerns, including an incident earlier in October when the Magodo Phase II Residents Association appealed to Sanwo-Olu to intervene against what they described as an unauthorized attempt by developers. These developers reportedly aimed to construct link roads through the estate to gain access to a protected wetland area. The presence of articulated trucks and heavy-duty equipment near the Shangisha Gate had raised alarms about potential forceful entry, illustrating the ongoing challenges in protecting these vital ecological zones.

In a decisive move to protect the state's natural environment, the Lagos State government implemented a suspension of reclamation activities in September 2025. This suspension specifically targets projects affecting wetlands, floodplains, and lagoon fronts where the requisite environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and other necessary approvals had not been duly obtained. This measure underscores the government's commitment to enforcing Lagos environmental impact assessment requirements rigorously.

The Governor underscored that all development projects within Lagos must successfully undergo rigorous drainage and environmental approval processes, which critically include obtaining the necessary environmental impact assessments and related permits. This policy ensures that urban expansion is sustainable and does not compromise the state's ecological integrity. Furthermore, as part of broader environmental sustainability efforts, the state has maintained an ongoing enforcement drive since July 2025 against the use of styrofoam and other single-use plastics, while also fostering the development of sustainable alternatives and promoting environmental education across communities and schools.

Beyond regulatory enforcement, the government is actively investing in robust drainage infrastructure, undertaking initiatives to restore mangroves, planting trees, and developing public parks. These efforts are designed to bolster the state’s natural defenses against the escalating threats of flooding and rising temperatures, complementing the Nigeria reclamation activities suspension with proactive environmental management.

Lagos's wetlands, mangroves, and lagoons serve as indispensable natural barriers, forming the state's primary line of defense against the destructive forces of floods and coastal erosion. Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted that when these vital ecosystems are filled or built over, water loses its natural outlets, leading to severe consequences as gravity dictates its path, often resulting in widespread inundation. The protection of these areas is therefore not merely an environmental concern but a fundamental aspect of public safety and urban resilience.

Hon. Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, Chairman of the NCF National Executive Council, reiterated that Lagos stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s climate vulnerability. The city faces significant threats from rising sea levels, recurrent flooding, extreme heat, and the continuous loss of wetlands, all of which imperil communities and livelihoods. Adebiyi stressed that nature conservation is paramount for the city's long-term survival and must be seamlessly integrated into urban development strategies, rather than being treated as a separate concern.

Residents are urged to play their part by ensuring refuse is kept out of drains, avoiding single-use plastics, and strictly refraining from building on wetlands and Lagos State drainage channel development areas. Young people are specifically encouraged to adopt practices such as waste separation, tree planting, and advocating for environmental responsibility within their hostels, campuses, and surrounding communities. The NCF was commended for two decades of sustained environmental advocacy, with the Governor expressing an expectation that the subsequent two decades would yield tangible and measurable results in environmental protection.

Lawyers advising real estate developers and construction firms in Lagos must ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations, particularly regarding wetlands and drainage channels. Clients should be advised that reclamation activities without proper Environmental Impact Assessments and approvals are suspended, and enforcement against non-compliant building is a priority, increasing legal and financial risks for non-adherence.

Source: Reporting based on official statements and event coverage.