The Lagos State Government has sounded the alarm over the grave threat posed to its aquatic ecosystem by excessive and indiscriminate dredging of the lagoon in coastal areas by illegal operators.
Environmental and Infrastructural Damage
This warning was issued by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, during an emergency meeting with dredgers and tipper operators in Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, November 29.
The commissioner expressed concern over the environmental and infrastructural damage resulting from unregulated dredging activities. “There are far greater consequences to indiscriminate dredging than what appears on the surface,” Alebiosu said. “We risk saltwater intrusion into the lagoon, which is detrimental to the aquatic ecosystem, particularly fish species.”
Alebiosu warned that improper and unapproved dredging activities could deplete sand reserves, disrupt Lagos’ ecological balance, and undermine the state’s infrastructure plans. He stated that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development must approve all reclamation projects to ensure regulatory compliance.
A Call for Strictier Penalties
Furthermore, Alebiosu emphasized the need for stricter penalties for illegal dredging to deter perpetrators. “We must impose stiffer penalties on perpetrators of illegal dredging,” he stated. “With stricter enforcement measures, we can deter such practices and encourage compliance.” In addition to addressing the ecological challenges, Alebiosu outlined the Lagos State Government’s plans to enhance waterfront infrastructure to boost tourism. He announced the development of the state’s first lagoon-front beach, a project aimed at attracting global tourists to Lagos.
We are modernizing our jetties, giving them a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing design to enhance their appeal to tourists,” Alebiosu revealed, reiterating the government’s commitment to raising Lagos’ waterfront infrastructure to global standards.
Alebiosu assured residents that enforcement measures would be intensified in 2025 to protect the lagoon’s natural resources, safeguard aquatic life, and create an environment befitting Lagos’ status as a metropolitan city.
