The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has clamped down on illegal dredgers operating in the state and ordered them to stop work immediately.
The move is aimed at curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development across waterfront schemes located in the coastal regions of the metropolis.
The enforcement, led by Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, and his team, raided several illegal dredging sites, which were shut down upon the officials’ arrival.
Some suspected dredging operators were arrested, and stop-work orders were served on erring dredgers for non-compliance with the government’s regulations.
Alebiosu warned that failure to comply with existing laws guiding dredging activities could have dire consequences and would result in severe penalties, including the total closure of sites.
The commissioner described dredgers as a major cause of environmental degradation in the state, including erosion and flooding. He emphasised the need for dredging activities to be conducted lawfully to preserve roads, public infrastructure, and wetlands.
Alebiosu explained that the state government is committed to streamlining dredging activities in line with 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 do not negatively impact the lives of law-abiding citizens,” Alebiosu added.
