The Lagos State Government has raised alarm over the increasing effects of indiscriminate dredging activities across the state, warning that worsening sand scarcity and rising prices may trigger serious economic, environmental and food security concerns if not properly addressed.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, disclosed this during the ministry’s presentation at the annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre.
Alebiosu acknowledged that dredging remains essential for land reclamation and major construction projects, but warned that growing demand for sand in Lagos is putting immense pressure on the state’s waterways and coastal resources.
He revealed that developers handling reclamation projects within the Lekki-Ajah axis now source sand from communities in Ikorodu because deposits in nearby locations are gradually becoming exhausted.
According to him, sand is now being pumped across distances of between 10 and 12 kilometres to meet construction demands in parts of Lagos.
The commissioner said the situation underscores concerns that available sand deposits around Ajah and adjoining areas are becoming depleted due to continuous exploitation.
“We need proper data. We need to know how many people are dredging, how much sand is being dredged daily, and what is left within those areas,” Alebiosu stated.
He explained that the state government has become more cautious in granting dredging licences and permits in order to ensure better regulation of the sector.
Alebiosu warned that dwindling sand reserves could lead to a sharp increase in construction and infrastructure costs, thereby worsening housing and development expenses across the state.
He also linked unchecked dredging activities to threats against food security, particularly in riverine and fishing communities that rely on healthy aquatic ecosystems for survival.
According to him, excessive dredging disrupts marine habitats and aquatic microorganisms, making fishing more difficult and expensive for local fishermen.
“It is putting food security at risk. We are encouraging people to consume more protein, such as fish, but whenever dredging disturbs aquatic life, fishermen are forced to work harder, and naturally, the cost of fish goes up,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that some host communities are already experiencing infrastructural damage caused by the movement of heavy equipment and increased commercial dredging activities.
He identified Ibese among communities reportedly affected by deteriorating roads and damaged public infrastructure linked to dredging operations.
Alebiosu reiterated that the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development remains the legally recognised agency responsible for regulating sand dredging and sand dealing activities in Lagos State.
He noted that the ministry collaborates with other government agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, alongside local communities, to tackle illegal dredging through monitoring and enforcement measures.
The commissioner also commended residents who report illegal dredging activities to authorities, while blaming some locals for allegedly aiding illegal operators.
“We cannot continue blaming foreigners alone. We must ask ourselves how they got there in the first place. They definitely have the connivance of some locals,” he said.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen regulations guiding dredging activities in order to protect waterfront communities, preserve the environment and ensure sustainable use of natural resources across the state.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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