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| Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu |
Lagos - October 17, 2026 - Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has issued a fresh and stern warning to residents, land speculators and developers against building on wetlands, floodplains, drainage channels and other low-lying water areas across the state.
The Governor warned that the destruction of natural waterways is making Lagos more vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion.
What Sanwo-Olu Actually Said
Sanwo-Olu spoke on Saturday at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation's 20th annual Walk for Nature held at Makanjuola Hall, Lagos State University, Ojo. The event was themed "Inspired for Climate Action".
He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Gaji Tajudeen.
According to him, Lagos's coastal location, low-lying terrain and growing population make wetland protection critical to public safety.
He said:
"Our wetlands, mangroves and lagoons are our first line of defence against floods and coastal erosion. Where they are filled or built over, water has nowhere to go, and gravity exacts the price".
He urged all Lagosians to keep refuse out of drains, avoid single-use plastics and completely refrain from building on wetlands and drainage channels.
Government Action Already Taken
The Governor disclosed that the government had already suspended reclamation activities affecting wetlands, floodplains and lagoon fronts in September 2025 where developers failed to obtain the required Environmental Impact Assessments and approvals.
He restated the government's position:
"Development in Lagos must pass the test of drainage and environmental approval, including the necessary environmental impact assessments and approvals".
Sanwo-Olu said the state is investing in drainage infrastructure, mangrove restoration, tree planting and development of parks to strengthen natural defences. Enforcement of the ban on styrofoam and other single-use plastics has been ongoing since July 2025.
This is not the first red alert. The government under Sanwo-Olu has vowed to intensify enforcement against illegal construction, noting that people built on canal paths and closed it up 100 percent, causing flooding when it rains. The Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab had earlier warned that no wetland would be developed for residential or commercial purposes.
Why The Warning Matters Now
The warning comes just days after Magodo Phase II Residents Association called on the Governor to halt what it described as an unauthorised attempt by developers to construct link roads through the estate to access a protected wetland.
Similar complaints have been raised in Banana Island, Isheri-Oshun, Isolo/Jakande and other low-lying corridors where houses were reportedly built directly on water channels that were supposed to flow to the sea.
Chairman of NCF National Executive Council, Justice R.I.B Adebiyi, who also spoke at the event, said Lagos is at the forefront of climate vulnerability and that wetlands, forests and waterways are not luxuries but infrastructure needed to keep Lagos liveable.
What This Means For You
If you are buying land or building in Lagos:
Do proper charting - Confirm if your land is on a wetland, floodplain or drainage right-of-way.
Get drainage clearance - Beyond physical planning approval, you need a drainage clearance certificate from the Ministry of Environment.
Avoid refuse dumping - Stop dumping refuse in drains and canals. It blocks water flow.
Expect enforcement - The state says structures without approvals on canals will be demolished to clear collector channels.
Bottom line: The message from Alausa is clear - respect the water. Any building in low water areas without full environmental and drainage approval will not stand.
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