Fresh Plan To Prevent Sand Scarcity And Protect Waterfront Communities – Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu

The Lagos state government says it is stepping up efforts to regulate dredging activities across the state amid growing fears over sand depletion, environmental degradation and rising threats to waterfront communities.

Dayo Bush Alebiosu, commissioner for waterfront infrastructure development, spoke on the development during the annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre.

The popular politician said the increasing demand for sand for reclamation and construction projects, especially within the Lekki-Ajah corridor, is putting enormous pressure on available sand deposits across the state.

According to him, developers are now forced to source sand from distant communities in Ikorodu due to depletion in areas closer to ongoing projects.

“For me, it confirms my fears,” the grassroots politician said, explaining “If you are reclaiming land in Ajah and you now have to pump sand from Ikorodu, it means the sand resources within Ajah are gradually running out.”

He said the situation has compelled the state government to adopt stricter monitoring and licensing procedures to ensure sustainable dredging operations.

“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,” the senior cabinet member noted.

The commissioner said the ministry is becoming more cautious in issuing dredging permits as part of efforts to prevent over-exploitation of waterways and coastal resources.

Alebiosu warned that unchecked dredging could worsen construction costs and negatively affect infrastructure delivery across Lagos.

The influential position also linked indiscriminate dredging to disruptions within aquatic ecosystems, saying the activities are already affecting fishing communities and contributing to rising fish prices.

“It is putting food security at risk,” he declared, adding “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.”

D’Bush said aggressive dredging activities destroy aquatic microorganisms and marine habitats, forcing fishermen to travel farther before making catches.

The commissioner also raised concerns over the impact of dredging operations on host communities, particularly the destruction of roads and public infrastructure caused by heavy-duty equipment.

He cited Ibese in Ikorodu as one of the affected communities experiencing infrastructural damage linked to dredging activities.

Alebiosu said the ministry remains the agency legally empowered to regulate dredging and sand dealing activities in Lagos state.

The friend of many added that the ministry is collaborating with the ministries of environment and physical planning, alongside local communities, to intensify enforcement against illegal dredging operators.

“We thank the communities that alert us whenever illegal activities take place. Enforcement is continuous because many of these operators try to hide their activities,” he said.

The commissioner said some illegal operations continue to thrive because of the financial benefits attached to them, noting that certain residents and local collaborators often ignore the long-term environmental implications.

“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 added.

The Lagos government reiterated its commitment to protecting waterfront communities and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources through stricter regulation and continuous monitoring of dredging activities across the state.