The Lagos State Government has sealed several unregulated dredging sites in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government following mounting concerns over environmental degradation and the hardship caused to residents.
EpeInsights reports that the enforcement, carried out on November 4, 2025, targeted waterfront areas including Okegun Odofin, Bogije, Oribanwa, and Abijo, where unchecked dredging had led to severe ecological and social consequences.
The operation was led by Hon. (Engr.) Abiola Olowu, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Energy and Mineral Resources, in collaboration 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.
The exercise, which lasted from morning until late evening, was designed to halt ongoing activities that had damaged the environment, blocked waterways, endangered lives, and worsened living conditions in affected communities.
According to the officials, uncontrolled dredging around these areas had resulted in massive erosion, sedimentation of waterways, and pollution of the lagoon ecosystem.
Residents had been subjected to increased flooding, unhealthy dust emissions, and contamination of water sources.
Many communities, especially those closest to the dredging zones, had suffered disruption of livelihoods and constant infrastructural damage.
During the sealing exercise, Hon. Abiola Olowu issued immediate stop-work orders to all dredging operators.
He emphasized that while government supports legitimate businesses, the activities of the dredgers must not compromise the peace, safety, and welfare of law-abiding citizens.
He criticized operators for neglecting mandatory road maintenance obligations and for making access roads impassable for inhabitants. He insisted that no operation would be allowed to resume until all regulatory requirements are strictly met.
Representing the Local Government Chairman, Mr. Issa Maruf Olayinka lamented the havoc caused by overloaded haulage trucks transporting sand from the dredging sites.
Olayinka noted that the Local Government had been forced to repeatedly clear drainage channels and evacuate sand deposits from roads due to frequent spillages.
He stated that these activities had created potholes and serious safety risks for motorists and pedestrians, and assured residents that security personnel had been deployed to the sealed sites to prevent unauthorized access.
Residents expressed relief and satisfaction with the government’s intervention. A resident of Abijo, Mr. Alli, complained that water and sand regularly spilled from heavy-duty trucks, causing his home to flood despite personal efforts to make it habitable.
Other residents who could not drive their vehicles home lamented the inconvenience and cost of relying on commercial motorcycles, which had increased fares due to poor road conditions.
The Lagos State Government announced that the closure of the dredging sites takes immediate effect and will remain in place until operators adhere fully to environmental and road maintenance regulations.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that residents of Ibeju-Lekki enjoy safer, healthier, and more sustainable living conditions.
The enforcement team included officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, led by Mr. Cardoso Sorinola, Director of Solid Minerals; and key personnel from the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, including the Council Manager, Mr. Oladipupo Abiodun Otinwa, and the Council Engineer, Mr. Kamiyo Tijani.
The Media Office of the Executive Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, encouraged members of the public to visit the Council’s official Facebook page for additional photos from the operation.
