The Lagos State Government has vowed to intensify efforts against illegal dredging, describing it as a growing environmental crisis with devastating consequences for coastal and riverine communities.
Through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the state reiterated its commitment to safeguarding waterfronts from the destructive activities of unregulated dredgers.
Addressing ministry staff at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the September Waterfront Summit, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, called for active community involvement in tackling the menace.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Akodu Morenikeji, Alebiosu warned that residents who engage in or support illegal dredging were “engineering their own downfall,” as the environmental, social, and economic repercussions would ultimately harm both present and future generations.
He described illegal dredging as a “silent destroyer” of coastal ecosystems, highlighting its role in accelerating erosion, worsening flooding, disrupting aquatic life, and crippling livelihoods dependent on fishing and water-based commerce, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Makoko.
“We cannot overemphasise the devastating impact these activities could have on our daily lives and posterity. This is why we have made it a point of necessity to bring it to the global stage, where all stakeholders—from riverine states in Nigeria, government agencies, and community leaders, to environmental experts and private sector partners—will deliberate and chart a lasting solution,” Alebiosu said.
He added that the upcoming Waterfront Summit would provide a collaborative platform to foster dialogue, share best practices, and develop actionable policies aimed at protecting Lagos’ waterfronts for generations to come.
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