By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, has identified illegal dredging, unregulated land reclamation, and indiscriminate refuse disposal as major factors responsible for flooding in parts of the state.
Alebiosu, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television, said the state government remains committed to enforcing regulations that protect Lagos’ waterfront ecosystem and ensure all dredging and reclamation activities comply with environmental and physical planning requirements.
He said tackling flooding requires collaboration among the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Physical Planning, and the Office of the Surveyor-General to ensure effective planning, regulation, and enforcement.
The Commissioner explained that operators seeking approval for dredging must first obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), drainage clearance from the Ministry of the Environment, and an approved layout plan from the Ministry of Physical Planning before the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development can grant approval.
According to him, illegal dredging undermines environmental sustainability, worsens flooding, and poses serious threats to coastal communities.
Alebiosu disclosed that since assuming office, he has not approved any dredging permits, insisting that permits will only be granted after all statutory requirements have been fully met.
“We have deliberately withheld permits until every regulatory requirement is fully satisfied because safeguarding lives, property, and the environment must always take precedence over commercial interests,” he said.
He urged residents, particularly those in waterfront communities, to support government efforts by reporting illegal dredging and unlawful land reclamation, noting that community participation is essential to safeguarding the state’s coastline.
The Commissioner disclosed that the government would continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement across waterfront corridors to curb violations and protect the environment.
Reacting to allegations of illegal dredging around the Third Mainland Bridge corridor, Alebiosu dismissed the claims, stating that the company handling the reclamation project obtained the necessary approvals from both the Federal and Lagos State Governments.
He explained that the sand being used for the reclamation was transported from approved dredging sites located several kilometers away and was not dredged within the Third Mainland Bridge vicinity as alleged.
Alebiosu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable waterfront development, assuring residents that all legitimate dredging and reclamation projects would continue to undergo strict regulatory scrutiny to reduce flood risks and protect Lagos’ coastal environment.