Residents of Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive) in Ikoyi, Lagos State, have appealed to the Federal Government to halt an ongoing land reclamation project, alleging that it has triggered severe flooding, environmental hazards and persistent noise pollution in the area.

The residents claimed that continuous sand-filling of the lagoon has obstructed the natural flow of water, causing canals to overflow into residential compounds whenever it rains.

One of the residents, Mr. Obaro Ibru, said families have endured days of flooding that has damaged homes and forced residents to remain awake through the night bailing out water.

According to him, the flooding has affected bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms, creating serious health and safety concerns.

He alleged that the project, which was reportedly justified as a flood protection measure, has instead worsened flooding in the neighbourhood.

“We never had flooding like this before. There is absolutely no regard for the environment and the people being affected,” he said.

Ibru also complained about round-the-clock dredging activities, saying residents have been subjected to constant noise pollution.

“We also suffer from 24-hour daily noise pollution from the dredgers working all night. It’s totally inhumane,” he added.

Another resident, Mr. Daniel Gozama, said the reclamation work had altered the natural drainage system by restricting the flow of water into the lagoon.

He noted that residents had to hire workers to remove floodwater and debris from their compounds following recent heavy rainfall.

“We are only appealing to the government to look into the situation,” Gozama said.

The residents are urging both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to investigate the project and suspend further reclamation activities until measures are put in place to prevent flooding and protect surrounding communities.

The post Lagos Residents Urge FG to Halt Ikoyi Land Reclamation Over Flooding Fears appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has demolished 17 illegal buildings in Oral Estate II, Lekki, as part of efforts to restore the Right of Way along the Ikota River and mitigate growing flood risks.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who led the inspection, condemned the encroachments, warning that private developers were narrowing river channels to create and sell plots, endangering surrounding communities.

“Flooding in Lagos can’t be eliminated but must be managed through responsible land use. Destroying wetlands and blocking drainage channels makes that impossible,” Wahab said.

Stop-work and seal orders were also issued at Partibons Homes Estate and Bee-Forth Estate Phase 2, where illegal reclamation activities were ongoing. Wahab noted that natural drainage systems like Channels 156 and 157, designed to direct stormwater to the Lagoon, have been compromised by unapproved developments.

The tour was conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation, ahead of the Green Rail Line project. Transportation Commissioner Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi noted that auto dealers encroaching on wetlands and powerline corridors along the Lekki-Epe Expressway had been served notices, stressing the importance of preserving infrastructure corridors.

Officials also visited the Agodogba Collector Drain project at Parkview Estate, which is expected to provide major flood relief once completed.

The state government has pledged continued enforcement to restore wetlands and protect Lagos’ long-term environmental and infrastructure plans.

The post Lagos Demolishes 17 Structures in Lekki to Reclaim Waterways, Tackle Flooding appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos is witnessing an unprecedented construction boom, with new estates and luxury developments springing up across the city. Along the Lekki–Epe Expressway alone, more than 120 new estates have emerged in 2025, reshaping the skyline and transforming the coastline.

The state’s coastal geography is also being redrawn. Massive sand-filling projects are creating new land and entire islands, such as Eko Atlantic, Orange Island, Shoreline, and Cowrie Creek – exclusive enclaves catering to the wealthiest Lagosians. Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City are being expanded, while several estates along the Chevron-Lekki axis are also undergoing reclamation.

Government efforts to improve water transport include building new jetties to connect these rapidly developing areas, offering alternatives to Lagos’ congested roads. The newly completed sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway have further opened up the corridor from Victoria Island to Eleko, adding more land to Eko Atlantic and spurring even more development.

But the boom comes with a price. Landmark Beach, once a popular hangout, has vanished in just over a year, swallowed by new land reclamation works. Environmentalists warn that many coastal areas remain vulnerable to flooding, with some communities already seeing their homes collapse into the sea.

Authorities have begun cracking down on illegal reclamation and construction. At a recent Lagos conference, developers were served demolition orders for unauthorized projects along the coastline.

Meanwhile, existing waterfront communities like Makoko – home to an estimated 250,000 residents – are under scrutiny. Rather than demolish the iconic “floating city,” government officials are exploring ways to improve living conditions while preserving its unique way of life.

Inside the city, the building trend is upward. Ikoyi and Victoria Island now boast skyscrapers that have radically altered the skyline. Eko Atlantic is filled with 12-storey-plus buildings, while some of Ikoyi’s latest luxury towers rise 24 floors high. Kingsway/Alfred Rewane Road and Ozumba Mbadiwe Road are fast becoming corridors of towering glass structures.

Despite the building frenzy, most new developments remain out of reach for average Lagosians. Housing affordability continues to be a pressing issue, with rental prices soaring and demand far outstripping supply. Observers are urging the government to focus on inclusive housing policies to ensure the city’s growth benefits all residents – not just the elite.

By: Caroline Akinlotan
Source: Business Day

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Miziara, a small Lebanese village of 6,000 people overlooking the Mediterranean, symbolizes the deep ties between Lebanon and Nigeria. Many from Miziara have emigrated to Nigeria, where the Lebanese community now numbers between 30,000 and 100,000. Many Lebanese-Nigerians, including fourth-generation families, proudly call Nigeria home.

The village’s main street is named after Gilbert Chagoury, Miziara’s most famous son and benefactor. Pierre Daaboul, Deputy Mayor of Miziara, described him as “like a godfather” due to his significant investments in local infrastructure and education. Daaboul adds, “About 80 percent of the village works in Nigeria because they make much more money there.”

Born in Nigeria in 1946 to Lebanese parents, Gilbert Chagoury studied briefly in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria, where he founded The Chagoury Group in 1971. The group is now a major Nigerian conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, agribusiness, and hospitality. Notable projects include Eko Hotels and Eko Atlantic City; a massive land reclamation project designed to protect Lagos from coastal erosion.

The Chagoury Group is also building the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a key infrastructure project. While some have questioned the contract awards, government officials highlight the company’s expertise and capacity.

Chagoury’s ties to Nigeria haven’t been without controversy, notably linked to the late General Sani Abacha. He denied wrongdoing, paid fines, and returned funds to Nigeria.

Beyond business, Chagoury is a philanthropist and art lover, honored by the Pope and France for his contributions. His donations include a priceless tapestry to the Louvre and significant COVID-19 relief efforts in Lagos.

Though his roots are in Lebanon, Nigeria is where Gilbert Chagoury has made his mark, building a legacy of business success and cultural connection that bridges two continents.

By: Simbo Olorunfemi
Source: Proshare

The post Gilbert Chagoury, Miziara, and the Lebanese-Nigerian Connection appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has suspended all land reclamation projects across the state, warning that defaulters have seven days to comply or face strict sanctions.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the ministry is worried about “the proliferation of reclamation activities on wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons statewide, especially in Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, and parts of Ikorodu.”

He noted that “many projects lacked proper Environmental Impact Assessment approvals and drainage clearance from the ministry,” adding that reclamation, though useful for housing and infrastructure, “carried risks of flooding, erosion, and ecosystem disruption.”

“Lagos’s low-lying topography and fragile ecosystem cannot withstand indiscriminate reclamation activities without grave consequences,” Wahab said.

“Consequently, the ministry is by this notice directing all reclamation projects across the state, with or without EIA approval and drainage clearance, to be suspended immediately.

“All approved Reclamation Projects across the State must be submitted for proper documentation and monitoring, while all ongoing and intending ones must be subjected to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process with issuance of approval letter and drainage clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.”

He warned that “non-compliance within seven days would attract strict sanctions, including site decommissioning and arrest of violators.”

The commissioner added that the ministry would “remove illegal fills, reopen blocked water channels, and prosecute anyone involved in violations. Enough is enough.”

The post Lagos Suspends Land Reclamation, Warns Defaulters appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Imo State Government has launched a statewide campaign to reclaim public land from unauthorized occupiers, beginning the demolition of illegally erected structures on government-reserved spaces.

Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, disclosed that investigations unearthed a troubling trend: individuals occupying public verges with forged or outdated allocation documents, particularly in areas like Aladinma Garden Estate.

According to Nwaneri, several of these occupants claim rights to land using documents that have no legal foundation. He clarified that the concerned lands including verges and buffer zones are strictly reserved for public infrastructure like drainage and road expansion,and are not to be converted for personal or commercial purposes by any agency, including the Imo State Housing Corporation.

He further emphasized that these illegal encroachments obstruct natural water channels, increase the risk of flooding, and undermine the lifespan of newly rehabilitated roads.

“The government will no longer tolerate these distortions of urban planning,” Nwaneri said. “Any structure built on public verges will be removed without warning.”

He cautioned the public against dealing with unauthorized agents claiming to sell or allocate government land, urging residents to report any suspicious activity around reserved areas to the appropriate authorities.

All occupants have been instructed to vacate immediately or face eviction and possible legal consequences.

“Government reserves are not business spaces,” he reiterated. “They are vital to the city’s drainage, safety, and development. Anyone obstructing these spaces is obstructing progress.”

The government pledged to uphold urban order and protect public infrastructure from abuse, warning that it will not hesitate to act swiftly and decisively in defense of the state’s long-term interests.

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