A stop-work order has been issued by the Lagos State Government as it commenced a clampdown on persons involved in indiscriminate dredging activities as well as unapproved shoreline extensions along the state’s waterfront.
The action of the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, follows concerns about the activities of developers in such areas, which are considered illegal and have violated the Planning laws of Lagos State.
Arc. Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, stated that the Ministry issued a notice ordering illegal operators of reclamation and unapproved shoreline extension along Lagos Lagoon Waterfront, beside Oriental Hotel and Osapa London Shores, along Lekki/Ajah corridor, to stop their operations.
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WHAT THIS MEANS:
- The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development is determined to carry out its statutory responsibility of regulating, monitoring and managing waterfront activities as empowered by the Waterfront Infrastructure Development Law, 2009.
- Governor Sanwo-Olu has also approved the setting up of a task force team to carry out the enforcement exercise.
- The exercise will be a continuous one to ensure the protection of the State’s shoreline and safety of lives and property of the people.
- Companies and individuals desirous of carrying out dredging activities such as reclamation and extension work in the State to approach the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development for necessary guidelines, clearance and approval.
Speaking on the move of the state government, Mr. James Iranola, the leader of the enforcement team and Director of Special Projects, Dredging & Monitoring in the Ministry expressed the readiness of the team to clamp down on perpetrators of all illegal activities along the shorelines of the State.
The Lagos State Government had in February, 2021, issued a suspension order on all approvals in respect of reclamation and land extensions into the Lagoon at Banana Island and Osborne Foreshore, Ikoyi.
This was made public through a joint statement issued by the ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Waterfront Infrastructure Development.
