The Lagos State Government has raised an alarm over the growing threat to the state’s aquatic ecosystem due to excessive and unregulated dredging activities in the coastal areas.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, sounded a stern warning about the environmental and infrastructural risks posed by illegal dredging operators.
Addressing dredgers and tipper operators during an emergency meeting at Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, Alebiosu highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to curb these activities.
He stressed that unchecked dredging could deplete the sand reserves in Lagos’ lagoon, disrupt the ecological balance, and compromise the state’s development plans.
“There are far greater consequences to indiscriminate dredging than what appears on the surface. We risk saltwater intrusion into the lagoon, which is detrimental to the aquatic ecosystem, particularly fish species,” Alebiosu warned.
The commissioner emphasized that improper dredging could have catastrophic effects on Lagos’ coastline. He cited the example of the United Arab Emirates, which now imports sand from Australia due to the depletion of its natural reserves.
According to Alebiosu, Lagos could face a similar fate if immediate regulatory measures are not implemented.
The meeting served as a platform to educate stakeholders on the long-term environmental and economic impacts of unauthorized dredging and reclamation.
Alebiosu urged operators to adhere strictly to existing regulations, noting that all reclamation projects must receive approval from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to align with the state’s masterplan.
“Unauthorized reclamation activities not only undermine the state’s infrastructure plans but also pose significant threats to the ecological balance. All reclamation projects must comply with regulatory standards to ensure sustainability,” he added.
The commissioner also called for the introduction of stricter penalties to deter illegal operators. “We must impose stiffer penalties on perpetrators of illegal dredging. Many of them lack understanding of the long-term consequences of their actions. With stricter enforcement measures, we can deter such practices and encourage compliance,” Alebiosu stated.
Alebiosu underscored the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate residents and stakeholders about the dangers of illegal dredging and reclamation activities.
He noted that community participation is crucial in safeguarding Lagos’ aquatic resources and ensuring sustainable development.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns about the state’s vulnerability to coastal erosion, flooding, and other environmental challenges linked to human activities.
Experts have long cautioned that Lagos, a densely populated coastal city, must prioritize environmental conservation to mitigate the effects of climate change and urbanization.
The Lagos State Government’s renewed focus on regulating dredging activities reflects its commitment to protecting the state’s natural resources and ensuring long-term ecological and economic stability.
With stronger enforcement, public education, and stakeholder collaboration, the government aims to preserve the state’s aquatic ecosystem for future generations.
As Lagos grapples with these challenges, Alebiosu’s call to action serves as a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices in coastal management and urban planning.
