The Lagos State government has arrested five persons over illegal dredging and land reclamation on the Lekki shoreline.
It also sealed multiple sites in a sweeping enforcement executed by a joint ministerial task force.
The task force comprising the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and the Lands Bureau, targeted ongoing infractions along the Lagos Lagoon.
Leading the exercise, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, announced the sealing of a property at 13A, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, over illegal reclamation and unapproved extension of its fence. He described the defiance of the owners, who allegedly ignored previous government warnings, as an act of ‘legendary audacity.’
‘This property has been sealed several times since last year, yet the owners continue construction and social activities. Today, we have returned with other ministries to enforce the law,’ Alebiosu said.
He said the culprits would be prosecuted, adding that they risk forfeiting the illegally reclaimed land.
Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, said while the owner originally presented plans for 1,200 square metres, the reclaimed area had expanded to over 8,000 square metres.