FG, Lagos approved Makoko waterfront reclamation, Commissioner

The Lagos State Government has defended its ongoing reclamation project at the Makoko Waterfront, asserting that it has secured approvals from both federal and state authorities. Dayo Alebiosu, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, clarified that the developer, FBT Coral, complied with all statutory requirements before commencing work.

Alebiosu explained that concerns were raised by the Federal Ministry of Works regarding potential dredging near the Third Mainland Bridge. However, investigations revealed the developer was pumping sand from distant locations, not dredging near the bridge. The project also passed an Environmental Impact Assessment and received drainage clearance.

“

The reclamation work you see in Makoko around the Third Mainland Bridge is being handled by FBT Coral. They got approval from the Federal Government and also obtained the necessary clearance from the Lagos State Government.

To address concerns, the Lagos State Government suspended the project for a year, allowing the developer to obtain further clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works. A committee was formed to assess the project, ultimately clearing it to resume. Alebiosu emphasized that all relevant regulatory agencies reviewed and approved the reclamation, stating it is not his place to deem it illegal.

“

I am an architect, not an environmentalist or an engineer, so I am not in a position to question what the experts have done. Every relevant agency came together, assessed the project and agreed it could proceed. It is therefore not my place to describe it as an illegal development.