The Lagos State Government has expressed concern over the increasing impact of illegal dredging and coastal erosion on its lagoon and waterfront communities, warning that more than 10,000 cubic metres of sand are being extracted daily across the state.
Commissioner For Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. He said the alarming trend calls for urgent measures to prevent environmental disaster.
Speaking on the scale of the activities, Alebiosu revealed that about 10,625 cubic metres of sand are illegally dredged in Lagos every day. He cautioned that such unregulated operations could destabilise the ecosystem, destroy aquatic habitats, and put waterfront communities at risk.
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The Commissioner further explained that the Ministry has commenced a comprehensive bathymetric and hydrographic survey to determine areas that have been over-dredged and under-dredged. According to him, the Ibeshe axis of Lagos has already suffered heavy environmental impact from uncontrolled dredging.
The development comes after earlier moves by the state government to clamp down on unlicensed dredging operations. In August, the government engaged the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, urging all unregistered operators to halt their activities in order to safeguard the environment and protect waterfront communities.
Alebiosu also raised concerns over the growing threat of coastal erosion in the state. He disclosed that some communities, including Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki, have been completely eroded, leaving families homeless and without means of livelihood.
“Coastal erosion is a regional challenge with global consequences. Lagos must take decisive steps to protect its communities, infrastructure, and economy,” the Commissioner said, while citing Keta Municipality in Ghana as another West African location battling similar devastation.
To find sustainable solutions, he announced that Lagos State has begun collaboration with the Netherlands, a country globally recognised for its expertise in coastal and water management. The partnership, he noted, is aimed at developing innovative and lasting strategies to address the crisis.
Alebiosu added that these pressing concerns are part of the agenda for the Maiden Lagos State Waterfront Summit scheduled to hold on September 11, 2025, in Lagos.
With the theme, “Pressure On The Lagoon: The Lagos Experience,” the summit will bring together stakeholders and experts to deliberate on practical solutions to safeguard the state’s waterfronts.
“The lagoon is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our economy, and our future. This summit is a call to action for Lagosians, professionals, and stakeholders to work together in protecting it before it is too late,” he stated.
The Lagos State Government has in recent years stepped up its efforts to combat illegal dredging, a practice linked to flooding, coastal erosion, and the destruction of marine ecosystems. According to the government, unlicensed operators are major contributors to the degradation of waterfront areas, posing threats to infrastructure and livelihoods.
These interventions are part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to protect its coastline, preserve its communities, and promote sustainable urban development.
