The crackdown exposed alarming violations, including attempts to reroute the creek and unauthorized land reclamation that endangered nearby communities
Lagos Crackdown on Illegal Lekki Encroachments, Saves Waterfronts for Future
In a bold stand to protect Lagos State’s vulnerable waterfronts, the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID), under Commissioner Dayo Alebiosu, unleashed a sweeping enforcement blitz on Friday, April 4, 2025, targeting Ikota Creek in Lekki’s Eleganza area.
With over 100 contravention notices slapped on offenders and 10 stop-work orders issued, the operation aimed at developers and individuals caught red-handed in illegal construction along the creek corridor—a move hailed as a vital defense of urban planning and environmental survival.
The crackdown exposed a shocking wave of violations, from audacious attempts to reroute the creek’s natural flow to unauthorized land reclamation that flouted regulations and endangered nearby communities.
Alebiosu didn’t hold back, declaring, “Our waterfronts are not to be misused or exploited. They’re our shield against climate chaos and the backbone of this city’s future.”
The operation, he stressed, is a loud-and-clear message: Lagos is dead serious about sustainable growth and enforcing the rules.
Alebiosu’s team didn’t just stop at notices—they slammed the brakes on activities threatening the creek’s ecosystem, reinforcing MWID’s mission to steward Lagos’ coastal treasures responsibly. “This is about now and tomorrow,” he said, underscoring the need to preserve these lifelines for current residents and generations yet to come.
The effort aligns with the state’s broader fight against flooding, erosion, and the relentless pressures of urbanization, aiming to keep Lagos resilient and thriving.
By reclaiming Ikota Creek from the grip of rogue developers, MWID is drawing a line in the sand—setting a powerful example of waterfront guardianship and steering Lagos toward a greener, more livable future.
This isn’t just enforcement; it’s a blueprint for a megacity that refuses to compromise its natural legacy. Read More
