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.
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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