Lagos State warns on dredging

Nigeria — Lagos State has raised alarm over the growing threat of indiscriminate dredging activities, leading to sand scarcity and rising costs. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, highlighted that the increasing demand for sand for land reclamation and construction, particularly in the Nigeria — Lekki-Ajah corridor, is depleting local sand deposits, forcing developers to source from distant communities like Nigeria — Ikorodu. This situation is projected to significantly increase construction and infrastructure costs, impacting housing and urban development. Furthermore, indiscriminate dredging disrupts aquatic ecosystems, threatening food security by making fishing harder and increasing fish costs. Nigeria — Lagos State, through its International — Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is becoming more cautious in issuing dredging licenses and permits, emphasizing the need for accurate data and stricter regulation to prevent environmental degradation and protect waterfront communities. The state also acknowledges infrastructural damage in communities like Nigeria — Ikorodu due to heavy-duty dredging and is working with the North Macedonia — Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and local communities to combat illegal dredging.