Lagos stops work in illegal dredging sites, arrests operators

The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development on Thursday launched a clampdown on illegal dredgers operating in the state.

A statement by Ileyemi M.A (Mrs), Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development said the the government ordered them to stop work immediately, adding that the move was aimed at curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development across the waterfront schemes located across the coastal regions of the Metropolis.

The enforcement was led by Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, together with members of his team,

Many illegal dredging sites were shut down upon arrival of the officials. Some suspected dredging operators were arrested and stop-work order was served on erring dredgers for non-compliance with laid down regulations of the state government.

Alebiosu warned that failure to comply with extant laws guiding dredging activities could have dire effects and will result in severe penalties, including total closure of the sites.

The Commissioner also said that illegal dredgers are a major cause of environmental degradation in the state, including erosion and flooding. He emphasized the need for dredging activities to be conducted lawfully to preserve roads, public infrastructure, and wetlands.

He explained that the government has vowed to streamline the activities of dredgers in the state to meet acceptable international standards.

“The Lagos State Government’s clampdown on illegal dredgers is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the state. We will continue to carry out surveillance and raids across the coastal areas to ensure that the activities of a few don’t impact the lives of law abiding citizens negatively,” Alebiosu said.