The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action by sealing off the property of Messrs Charterhouse located in the Ogombo area of Eti Osa Local Government Area, citing alleged illegal wetland reclamation and unauthorized construction activities.
Enforcement operatives from the Wetland and Conservation Department of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources carried out the operation on Saturday.
This was confirmed by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, through a post on his official X account on Sunday.
Wahab’s post indicated that the property was sealed due to “illegal reclamation of wetland and construction without requisite drainage clearance and wetland permit.” He further explained that the ministry had previously issued a stop-work order on August 15 to Charterhouse and neighboring properties due to concerns regarding environmental degradation, including the loss of wetlands, biodiversity decline, and disruption of natural buffer zones essential for flood prevention and water retention.
Despite the issuance of the stop-work order, construction activities continued at the site without obtaining the necessary drainage clearance and wetland permits, prompting the enforcement action taken by the ministry.
In recent months, the Lagos State Government has significantly intensified its efforts to protect wetlands and other vital ecosystems, aiming to curb unauthorized development in ecologically sensitive areas. This is part of a broader initiative for environmental sustainability.
In September, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources also sealed Maverick Estate in Gbagada for encroaching on designated wetland areas, demonstrating a continued commitment to enforcing environmental regulations. Additionally, the government issued contravention notices to 69 companies for unauthorized use of waterfront setbacks in Lekki Phase 1, urging these entities to provide documentation to the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development in Alausa, Ikeja. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the sealing or demolition of their properties.
Commissioner Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to regulatory enforcement to prevent the illegal conversion of wetlands and critical habitats into residential or commercial zones without official authorization. Areas such as Epe, Ejigbo, Badagry, Ikorodu, and Itoikin have been identified as primary targets in the ongoing enforcement initiative, underlining the government’s dedication to sustainable environmental practices across Lagos.
