The Lagos State Government has vowed to halt an ongoing land reclamation project at the Kuramo Beach corridor along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, insisting that the development poses a threat to the area’s natural water channels.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement after inspecting several ongoing drainage projects and areas affected by environmental violations around Ajiran and the Mehabond Estate axis.
Wahab described the reclamation activities at Kuramo Beach as unacceptable, stressing that the water body plays a vital role in connecting to the Atlantic Ocean and facilitating the natural flow of water.
According to the commissioner, the state government has already contacted the relevant Federal Government authorities over the project, maintaining that any attempt to obstruct the Kuramo water channel would not be allowed.
He also announced that the government will begin removing buildings and other structures obstructing drainage channels, wetlands, flood plains, and natural stormwater discharge routes in the Lekki-Epe corridor starting Monday.
As part of the enforcement exercise, officials have been directed to seal properties found to have violated environmental regulations, with the state emphasizing that no individual or organization will be exempt from the action.
The government said the exercise is aimed at reducing the risk of flooding during the rainy season by restoring blocked drainage systems and ensuring that stormwater flows freely into the lagoon.
Authorities warned that all illegal structures built on drainage alignments and flood-prone areas will be demolished, regardless of ownership, as part of efforts to protect the environment and safeguard residents from flood-related disasters.
