The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to regulate dredging activities amid rising concerns over sand depletion, environmental degradation, food insecurity and threats to waterfront communities
Lagos Moves Against Illegal Dredging as Sand Depletion Threatens Waterfront Communities
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to regulate dredging activities across the state amid growing concerns over sand depletion, environmental degradation and increasing threats to waterfront communities and aquatic ecosystems.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, disclosed this during the annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, warning that the rising demand for sand used in land reclamation and construction projects, especially within the Lekki-Ajah corridor, is placing enormous pressure on available sand deposits across Lagos.
According to the commissioner, the depletion of sand resources in areas close to major construction sites has forced developers to source materials from more distant communities, particularly in Ikorodu, a development he described as alarming.
“For me, it confirms my fears,” Alebiosu said. “If you are reclaiming land in Ajah and you now have to pump sand from Ikorodu, it means the sand resources within Ajah are gradually running out.”
The commissioner explained that the situation has compelled the state government to adopt stricter monitoring systems and tighter licensing procedures aimed at ensuring sustainable dredging operations and preventing the over-exploitation of coastal resources.
“We need proper data. We need to know how many people are dredging, how much sand is being dredged daily, and what is left within those areas,” he said.
Alebiosu noted that the ministry has become more cautious in issuing dredging permits as part of broader efforts to protect Lagos waterways and preserve the environmental balance within affected communities. He warned that uncontrolled dredging activities could worsen construction costs and negatively impact infrastructure development across the state.
The commissioner also linked indiscriminate dredging to disruptions in aquatic ecosystems, stressing that fishing communities are already feeling the effects as marine habitats continue to suffer destruction from aggressive sand excavation activities.
“It is putting food security at risk,” he declared. “We are encouraging people to consume more protein, such as fish, but whenever dredging disturbs aquatic life, fishermen are forced to work harder, and naturally, the cost of fish goes up.”
According to him, dredging activities destroy aquatic microorganisms and marine habitats, forcing fishermen to travel farther into the waters before making meaningful catches, a development he said contributes directly to rising fish prices and economic hardship within coastal settlements.
Alebiosu further raised concerns over the destruction of roads and public infrastructure caused by heavy-duty dredging equipment operating within host communities. He cited Ibese in Ikorodu as one of several communities already experiencing infrastructural damage linked to dredging operations.
The commissioner reaffirmed that the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development remains the legally empowered agency responsible for regulating dredging and sand dealing activities across Lagos State, adding that the government is working closely with the ministries of environment and physical planning, alongside local communities, to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators.
“We thank the communities that alert us whenever illegal activities take place. Enforcement is continuous because many of these operators try to hide their activities,” he said.
Alebiosu added that illegal dredging continues to thrive partly because of the huge financial incentives attached to the business, accusing some local collaborators of aiding unlawful activities despite the long-term environmental consequences.
“We cannot continue blaming foreigners alone. We must ask ourselves how they got there in the first place. They definitely have the connivance of some locals,” he added.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting waterfront communities, preserving natural resources and ensuring sustainable dredging practices through stricter regulation, continuous monitoring and aggressive enforcement across the state.
