Lagos’ Lagoon at Risk from Unchecked Dredging
The Lagos State Government has raised an urgent warning regarding the escalating environmental threat posed by illegal dredging activities in the coastal areas. According to the state’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, these activities are rapidly endangering the delicate aquatic ecosystem of the region.
Speaking at an emergency meeting in Alausa, Ikeja, Alebiosu cautioned dredgers and tipper operators about the severe long-term consequences of unregulated dredging. He highlighted that the indiscriminate extraction of sand from the lagoon could deplete the state’s valuable sand reserves, causing irreparable damage to the environment.
Alebiosu emphasized that improper dredging practices could trigger a cascade of ecological disasters, including saltwater intrusion into the lagoon, which could decimate local fish populations and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, such unauthorized reclamation efforts pose a serious risk to the state’s long-term infrastructure development plans.
“To put it plainly, the consequences of unchecked dredging go far beyond what meets the eye,” said Alebiosu. “Without proper regulation, we risk losing valuable aquatic species, harming the coastline, and undermining our urban development strategies.”
Alebiosu also referenced the situation in the United Arab Emirates, which now imports sand from Australia due to the depletion of its natural sand reserves, warning that Lagos could face a similar fate if illegal dredging activities continue unchecked.
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The commissioner called for stricter enforcement of regulations and higher penalties for illegal dredging operators. “Many of these operators do not fully grasp the devastating long-term impact of their actions,” Alebiosu noted. “We must act swiftly to protect the lagoon, its aquatic life, and Lagos’ sustainable development goals.”
In his address, Alebiosu also outlined the Lagos State Government’s ambitious plans to transform the city’s waterfront infrastructure into a world-class attraction. He announced the development of Lagos’ first lagoon-front beach, designed to boost tourism and attract global visitors, drawing inspiration from successful destinations like The Gambia.
The government is also working on modernizing Lagos’ jetties, giving them a contemporary design to increase their appeal to tourists. Alebiosu assured that in 2025, the state would ramp up enforcement actions against illegal dredging to safeguard the environment and secure the future of the city’s waterfront.
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