- Unregulated dredging sites sealed across Ibeju-Lekki waterfront communities
- Government mandates road rehabilitation and environmental compliance before reopening
- Residents commend intervention after years of erosion, flooding, and road damage
The Lagos State Government has sealed several unregulated dredging sites across waterfront communities in Ibeju-Lekki, including Okegun Odofin, Bogije, Oribanwa, and Abijo, in a decisive move to curb environmental degradation and protect residents.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the enforcement, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. (Engr.) Abiola Olowu, was carried out in conjunction with the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Issa Maruf Olayinka.
According to the government, the affected dredging operators failed to comply with environmental and operational standards, resulting in widespread erosion, water pollution, and infrastructural damage across affected communities.
During the sealing exercise, Hon. Olowu ordered immediate stoppage of operations at all non-compliant sites, insisting that public interest must always come first.
“It is unfair to disturb law-abiding citizens with reckless abandon while conducting your own business, thereby making the access road inaccessible to inhabitants,” he said.
He emphasised that operators must first rehabilitate access roads leading to their sites to ensure community safety and convenience.
Reinforcing the stance, Hon. Olowa’s representative highlighted the direct impact of illegal dredging on infrastructure, noting that the council has been forced to clear drains and evacuate sand deposits caused by heavy trucks.
He vowed that the local government would continue working with the state to ensure compliance and safety, adding that security personnel have been deployed to manage the sealed sites.
Residents expressed deep relief at the intervention, citing flooding, increased transport costs, and persistent dust pollution.
Mr. Alli, a resident in Abijo, lamented long-standing flooding issues caused by water spillage from haulage trucks. “Despite spending huge sums to keep my home habitable, flood from sand trucks always affects my residence,” he said.
Meanwhile, other residents noted that damaged roads have made mobility difficult, forcing many to rely on motorcycles at inflated fares.
The state government warned that the closure remains in effect until operators meet all compliance conditions, stating that economic activities must never compromise the wellbeing of citizens and the environment.
Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, led by the Director of Solid Minerals, Mr. Cardoso Sorinola, participated in the exercise, alongside the Council Manager, Mr. Oladipupo Abiodun Otinwa, and Council Engineer, Mr. Kamiyo Tijani.
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