Gbenga Oloniniran
The Lagos State Government has warned against encroaching on wetlands, following the sealing of a private estate development on a wetland in Gbagada.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasised the importance of preserving wetlands during a press briefing after inspecting several project sites.
He stressed that wetlands are invaluable natural habitats that cannot be replaced by monetary gains.
“The government is committed to combating the rising issue of wetland encroachment, which has been increasingly reported in various parts of the state,” the commissioner said.
Accompanying Wahab on the inspection were the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji; Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite; and other directors from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
The team visited the TREM drainage channel at Anthony Oke, Oshodi Expressway, and observed significant encroachment on the wetland, with a major portion of the drainage channel blocked.
Wahab directed the immediate closure of the Maverick Estate development site, which was still in the early stages of construction.
He ordered that all construction workers vacate the site and that the estate’s fences be dismantled.
“The developer has been instructed to present necessary documentation, including land approval, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, and drainage approvals,” the statement noted.
The commissioner highlighted that wetlands across the state—such as those in Iju, Ejigbo, Badagry, Ikorodu, Itoikin, and others—had been encroached upon for estate development without adherence to environmental guidelines.
He said the government planned to reclaim these areas over time.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, wetlands are unique ecosystems where the land is covered by water—whether salt, fresh, or brackish—either seasonally or permanently.
They play a crucial role in the environment, providing habitat and supporting biodiversity.
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