Lagos raises the alarm over threat to lagoon from illegal dredging

The Lagos State Government has warned of an impending environmental and social crisis as illegal dredging, pollution, and coastal erosion continue to endanger the state’s lagoon and waterfronts.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, issued the warning while briefing journalists ahead of the maiden Lagos State Waterfront Summit, slated for September 11 at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.

The summit, themed “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience”, will spotlight the mounting threats to the lagoon and seek lasting solutions.

Bush-Alebiosu revealed that about 10,625 cubic metres of sand are dredged illegally in Lagos daily, destabilising ecosystems, destroying aquatic habitats, and putting waterfront communities at risk.

He also disclosed that some coastal settlements, including Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki, have already been washed away, displacing families.

“The Lagos Lagoon is one of Africa’s most polluted ecosystems, with over 10,000 cubic metres of industrial waste dumped into it daily,” he said, noting that the waste contains toxic metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead.

He added that the state is collaborating with the Netherlands, renowned for coastal management expertise, and conducting bathymetric and hydrographic surveys to identify over-dredged areas like Ibeshe.

Beyond tackling threats, the Commissioner stressed the need to harness the lagoon’s economic potential in transportation, tourism, fisheries, and trade.

“The lagoon is not just water; it is our heritage, our economy, and our future.

“Without urgent action, we risk losing it forever,” he warned.