Lagos aquatic ecosystem under threat due to illegal dredging ? Government raises alarm

The Lagos State Government has sounded a warning over the grave threat to its aquatic ecosystem caused by excessive and indiscriminate dredging of the lagoon in coastal areas by illegal operators.

Commissioner for the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, raised the alarm during an emergency meeting with dredgers and tipper operators in Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, November 29. He expressed concern over the environmental and infrastructural damage resulting from unregulated dredging activities.

“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 said.

He warned that improper and unapproved dredging activities could deplete sand reserves, disrupt Lagos’ ecological balance, and undermine the state’s infrastructure plans. He stressed that all reclamation projects must first be approved by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Citing the United Arab Emirates as an example, Alebiosu highlighted the risk of Lagos facing similar challenges if sand reserves are depleted. “The UAE is now importing sand from Australia due to the depletion of its natural reserves. Lagos could face the same if these activities are not properly regulated,” he cautioned.

He called for stricter penalties for illegal dredging to deter perpetrators, many of whom he said lack awareness of the long-term consequences of their actions. “We must impose stiffer penalties on perpetrators of illegal dredging. With stricter enforcement measures, we can deter such practices and encourage compliance,” Alebiosu stated.

The commissioner also emphasized the need for widespread sensitization programs to educate residents on the dangers of unsanctioned dredging activities.

In addition to addressing the ecological challenges, Alebiosu outlined the Lagos State Government’s plans to enhance waterfront infrastructure to boost tourism. He announced the development of the state’s first lagoon-front beach, a project aimed at attracting global tourists to Lagos, similar to popular destinations like The Gambia.

“We are modernizing our jetties, giving them a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing design to enhance their appeal to tourists,” Alebiosu revealed, reiterating the government’s commitment to raising Lagos’ waterfront infrastructure to global standards.

Alebiosu assured residents that enforcement measures would be intensified in 2025 to protect the lagoon’s natural resources, safeguard aquatic life, and create an environment befitting Lagos’ status as a metropolitan city.