The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to developers operating within the state, cautioning against engaging in illegal dredging and land reclamation activities.
According to The PUNCH, the message was delivered by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, during a recent campaign targeting illegal land reclamation and dredging in the Lagos Island area.
Ekundayo Alebiosu expressed deep concern over the unlawful activities occurring along the shorelines of Ikoyi-Lekki, perpetrated by developers who flout regulations. Of particular concern were the violations observed on government-approved Islands, with a specific focus on the illicit land reclamation activities on Gracefield and Pocket Islands at Chevron, Lekki.
The commissioner strongly criticized the unauthorized reclamation of portions of waterways along the Ikoyi-Lekki shoreline, particularly in areas like Osborne Foreshore I & II, Park View, Banana Island, Kings Smart City, Lekki Foreshore, and Lekki Phase I.
He pledged to issue ‘stop work orders’ to any development found in breach of the state government’s setback policy.
“There are lots of infractions here. We are on Gracefield Island, being managed by Gravitas. We have also been to Pocket Island nearby. We are at a bridge point here, and you can see reclamation happening to the left and to the right.
“These are separate Islands; they are not extensions. But there has to be a setback of a minimum of 200m that will serve as drainage, taking water from the Island to the Lagoon, but they disregarded the setback plan and that is unacceptable,” he said.
He added, “I have directed that they be served a ‘stop work order’, otherwise we’ll have serious issues here.
“We reiterate our stand on zero tolerance for illegal land reclamation and dredging. We will also continue to ensure sanctions are brought on defaulters until we make our waterfront free from all illegalities.”
