The Lagos State Government has sealed off two popular beaches -Timeless Beach and Iceland Beach for building on government-owned land without permission.
Officials from the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development carried out the operation on Monday in Okun-Ajah, Eti-Osa area. According to the state government, the beach operators ignored multiple warnings and continued developing on restricted land.
During a press briefing, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, said the state had also sealed 180 other illegal structures in the area for breaking development rules and trespassing on government property.
“We issued several notices and tried to engage with the developers, but they refused to comply,” Alebiosu said. “This type of lawlessness will no longer be tolerated in Lagos.”
### 40 Developers Complied, Others Ignored
The commissioner revealed that over 40 developers who received earlier warnings followed the law and got proper documents, including E-Survey approvals. However, others went ahead with illegal construction, forcing the state to take action.
### Arrests Made During Operation
More than 20 people were arrested during the enforcement and are now in police custody. Alebiosu said they would be prosecuted.
“This is not just about the beaches,” he added. “It’s about protecting our environment and ensuring proper use of the state’s valuable waterfront land.”
### Lagos Vows to Protect Waterfront
The commissioner stressed that the government supports development and leisure but expects everyone to follow the law.
“We are protecting land for future generations. People cannot just build where they like. There must be order and respect for the law,” he said.
The Lagos government says the clean-up will continue as it works to stop illegal development and protect its coastlines.
