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10,625 cubic metres of sand illegally dredged daily, Lagos laments

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The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the impact of illegal dredging and coastal erosion on its lagoon and waterfront communities, warning that over 10,000 cubic metres of sand are being dredged daily in the state.

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

He said the disturbing trend underscored the need for urgent intervention to prevent environmental collapse.

On the scale of illegal activities, Alebiosu said, “About 10,625 cubic metres of sand are dredged daily in Lagos,” cautioning that such unregulated operations could destabilise the ecosystem, damage aquatic habitats, and endanger waterfront settlements.

He added that the Ministry was conducting a comprehensive bathymetric and hydrographic survey to identify over-dredged and under-dredged areas, noting that the Ibeshe area of Lagos was already heavily impacted.

The concerns come against the backdrop of earlier moves by the state government to clamp down on unlicensed dredgers.

The government in August sought the support of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, insisting that unregistered operators halt their activities to protect the environment and communities.

The Commissioner also highlighted the severe threat of coastal erosion, stating that some Lagos coastal communities, including Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki, had been completely washed away. Families, he said, had lost their homes and sources of livelihood.

“Coastal erosion is a regional problem with global implications. Lagos must take urgent steps to safeguard its communities, infrastructure, and economy,” Alebiosu stated. He cited Keta Municipality in Ghana as another West African community facing similar devastation.

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To address the crisis, he announced that Lagos had commenced collaboration with the Netherlands, globally recognised for its expertise in coastal and water management, to develop lasting and innovative solutions.

He explained that the pressing realities form the basis for the Maiden Lagos State Waterfront Summit, scheduled for September 11, 2025, in Lagos.

With the theme “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience,” the summit aims to convene experts and professionals to chart practical solutions.

“The lagoon is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our economy, and our future. This summit is a call to action for Lagosians, experts, and stakeholders to work together in protecting it before it is too late,” Alebiosu said.

The Lagos State Government has in recent years intensified efforts to curb illegal dredging, a practice linked to coastal erosion, flooding, and the destruction of aquatic habitats.

It was earlier reported that Lagos State launched initiatives to monitor and regulate dredging activities, urging operators to obtain licences and adhere strictly to environmental regulations.

Unlicensed dredgers, according to the government, contribute significantly to the degradation of waterfront areas, threatening both livelihoods and infrastructure.

These efforts form part of Lagos’ broader strategy to preserve its coastline, protect communities, and ensure sustainable urban development.

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PHOTOS: NESREA Investigates Suspected Chemical Spill On Kaduna-Abuja Expressway

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The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has launched an investigation into a suspected chemical spill on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway following the appearance of a white, foamy substance believed to have resulted from a road accident involving a heavy-duty truck.

A statement issued by the agency’s Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor, said a team from the NESREA Kaduna State Field Office, led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Hena Dangari Emmanuel, visited the scene to commence investigations.

During the visit, the team met with the Police Commander for Jere, ACP Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander for the area, and the community leader as part of efforts to gather information on the incident.

According to the statement, “Preliminary findings indicate that a heavy-duty truck was involved in an accident leading to the spillage of its contents at the location.”

NESREA said investigators also gathered information from relevant officials and residents, while samples of the foamy substance, surrounding soil, and water from a nearby stream were collected for laboratory analysis to determine the nature and possible environmental impact of the spill.

The agency appealed to residents and road users to exercise caution pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid contact with the foamy substance, the water, and the surrounding soil until the investigation is concluded, to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials,” the statement said.

NESREA said the laboratory analysis would help establish the composition of the spilled substance and guide any necessary environmental response, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.

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MURIC Rejects Life Imprisonment For Terrorists, Advocates Capital Punishment

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‎The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the life sentence given to the two notorious terrorists jailed last week, insisting that terrorists must receive capital punishment in order to deter others.

‎In a statement issued by the executive director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Wednesday, MURIC averred that it was dangerous to keep terrorists in prison custody because of their deadly networks which they use to organize jailbreaks.

‎MURIC recalled that wo notorious terrorists were given life sentence on Monday, 20th July, 2026.
Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentence after convicting Abubakar Abba, popularly known as Abu Baraa, and Mahmud Usman, also known as Mahmuda for terrorist activities.

However, the group rejected the judgment, saying, “We reject this judgement for being too lenient, too dangerous and too disproportionate.
“These are hardened and merciless criminals who should be eliminated with the speed of light. A good surgeon will not hesitate to amputate a rotten limb from the anatomy.

‎”We are of the opinion that terrorists who execute their captives, traumatize families as well as whole nations and subject their victims to inhuman treatments deserve capital punishment.
“It is dangerous to keep terrorists in prison custody temporarily or ad infinitum because of their deadly networks which they use to organize jailbreaks.

‎”They are no longer human beings. It is dangerous to keep them with other inmates if we don’t want them to convert ordinary prisoners into terrorists like them.

‎”It appears the Nigerian authorities are yet to learn their lessons. The terrorists who staged the kidnap of school children and teachers at Oriire, Oyo State recently had demanded the release of the same two terrorists who were sentenced two days ago as a condition for releasing their innocent victims.

‎”That should have sent a red alert to the authorities that terrorists are taking advantage of the democratic environment to abuse our values.
Those who rob others of the dividends of democracy do not deserve to enjoy same. Terrorists have no right to claims of fundamental human rights.

‎”We, therefore demand the death penalty for any terrorist found guilty of active participation in terror attacks.

‎”In view of several audacious attacks on prison facilities and the tendency of terrorists to plan attacks from prison, we also demand that terrorists sentenced to death must be executed within seven days of the judgement.

‎”The federal government should put all necessary legal niceties in place to ensure that due process is followed in this regard,” it added.

See also  Explosions hit major cities as US launches new strikes on Iran

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PHOTOS: Woman burnt to de@th in the home of a man she met at a club in Uyo

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An unidentified woman was d!ed early Tuesday morning, July 21, after a fire gutted a residential building along Ikpa Road in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

According to accounts shared online by a social media user, Frank Tochukwu Fidelis, the victim had accompanied a male companion to the residence after the duo met at a local nightclub earlier in the night.

Reports indicate that the fire broke out at approximately 5:30 AM, destroying properties worth millions of Naira. While the male resident managed to escape the burning structure unharmed, the woman was trapped inside and suffered fatal burns.

‘’If you have a friend or relative who went clubbing in Uyo last night and has not returned home, please contact the appropriate authorities or visit the relevant hospital or police station for confirmed information, rather than relying solely on social media posts.” Tochukwu wrote in the caption

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