Lagos Warns About Unregulated Dredging and Sand Shortage

The Lagos State Government has warned that the unchecked dredging taking place across the state is worsening sand scarcity, which could trigger significant economic, environmental, and food‑security problems if left unaddressed.

Dayo Bush Alebiosu, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, made the remarks during the ministry’s presentation at the annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre.

While acknowledging that dredging is vital for land reclamation and large construction projects, Alebiosu cautioned that the rising demand for sand in Lagos is placing extreme pressure on the state’s waterways and coastal resources.

He noted that developers working on reclamation projects along the Lekki‑Ajah axis are now sourcing sand from communities in Ikorodu because nearby deposits are gradually being exhausted.

According to the commissioner, sand is now being pumped over distances of 10 to 12 kilometres to meet construction needs in parts of Lagos.

The commissioner said the situation highlights 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 tightened its approach to granting dredging licences and permits in order to better regulate the sector.

Alebiosu warned that dwindling sand reserves could cause a sharp rise in construction and infrastructure costs, further inflating housing and development expenses across the state.

He also linked unchecked dredging to threats to food security, particularly for riverine and fishing communities that depend 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 infrastructure damage caused by the movement of heavy equipment and increased commercial dredging activities.

He identified Ibese as one of the 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, and local communities to tackle illegal dredging through monitoring and enforcement measures.

The commissioner also praised residents who report illegal dredging activities to authorities, while accusing some locals of 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 governing dredging activities to protect waterfront communities, preserve the environment, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources across the state.