The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the rising threat of illegal dredging and coastal erosion, warning that more than 10,000 cubic metres of sand are being extracted daily from the state’s lagoon and waterfront communities.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, on Thursday. He described the trend as an urgent environmental crisis capable of destabilising aquatic ecosystems and putting thousands of waterfront residents at risk.
According to Alebiosu, about 10,625 cubic metres of sand are illegally dredged every day across Lagos. He noted that the Ibeshe axis has already recorded severe ecological damage as a result of unchecked dredging operations.
To tackle the problem, the Ministry has embarked on comprehensive bathymetric and hydrographic surveys to identify over-dredged and under-dredged zones. Earlier in August, the government had engaged the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, warning unlicensed operators to halt all activities to prevent further damage.
The Commissioner also highlighted the worsening threat of coastal erosion, revealing that some communities, such as Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki, have been completely eroded, displacing families and destroying livelihoods.
“Coastal erosion is not just a Lagos problem; it is a global crisis with devastating local impacts,” Alebiosu said. He pointed to Keta Municipality in Ghana as another West African region grappling with similar devastation.
In response, Lagos has entered into collaboration with the Netherlands, a country renowned for expertise in coastal and water management, to develop long-term strategies for protecting its waterfronts.
These issues will also form a key part of discussions at the Maiden Lagos State Waterfront Summit, scheduled for September 11, 2025, with the theme “Pressure On The Lagoon: The Lagos Experience.” The event will gather experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to propose sustainable solutions.
“The lagoon is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our economy, and our future,” Alebiosu declared, calling on Lagosians to unite in safeguarding the state’s coastline.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly emphasized that unlicensed dredging fuels flooding, erosion, and marine habitat destruction. Its latest actions are part of a wider plan to protect infrastructure, secure livelihoods, and promote sustainable urban development.
#SaveLagosLagoon #CoastalCrisis #StopIllegalDredging
