The Lagos State Government has announced its commitment to prioritising wetland conservation with the development of a new Environmental Policy on Wetlands and Biodiversity.
The policy, aimed at balancing development with nature conservation, was revealed on Sunday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during the 2025 World Wetlands Day celebration.
Wahab emphasised that the state government is deeply committed to protecting wetlands and their biodiversity.
He stated that the policy would ensure that all future projects within or near wetlands undergo comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in line with international best practices.
“Wetlands are nature’s endowment to mankind, providing crucial benefits, especially for sustenance,” Wahab said.
“We must understand that we do not exclusively own the right to wetlands—our children and their children also deserve the right to access these invaluable resources.”
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Addressing the 2025 World Wetlands Day theme, “Protecting Wetlands For Our Common Future,” Wahab called for more sustainable practices in the use and exploitation of wetlands.
He emphasised the government’s role in spreading public awareness through various multimedia platforms to combat the increasing degradation and reclamation of wetlands.
The Commissioner highlighted the urgent threat wetlands face due to human activities and migration, citing a loss of over 100 square kilometres of wetlands between 2014 and 2022.
He acknowledged the need for development but stressed the importance of Sustainable Development to prevent wetlands from being overexploited or encroached upon by those with the financial means.
As part of the initiative, the state government preserved key wetlands in Orugbo-Iddo, Epe, and Iyafin, Badagry, with plans to develop these areas for eco-tourism.
Wahab also noted that the government has intensified monitoring efforts, implementing stricter measures to ensure that violators of wetland regulations face severe consequences.
Wahab further reiterated the importance of partnerships with sister ministries, non-governmental organisations, traditional institutions, and international organizations to safeguard Lagos’ wetlands.
He stressed that collaboration across all sectors is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of these vital ecosystems.
Additionally, the Commissioner urged residents living near wetland areas to avoid indiscriminate waste dumping and construction practices that obstruct water drainage systems.
He called for collective responsibility in protecting the wetlands to prevent further environmental degradation.
