The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID), has renewed its commitment to tackling the escalating problem of illegal dredging and its harmful effects on communities across the State.
EpeInsights learnt that the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, in a recent address to Ministry staff, highlighted the urgent need for active community involvement in addressing the menace.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated 1st Waterfront Summit scheduled for September 12, 2025, Alebiosu warned that residents who support or engage in illegal dredging are effectively “engineering their own downfall.”
He stressed that the environmental, social, and economic damage caused by these activities will ultimately impact the lives of everyone in the affected areas.
Describing illegal dredging as a “silent destroyer,” Alebiosu outlined its destructive impact on coastal and riverine communities such as Makoko.
He noted that illegal dredging accelerates erosion, worsens flooding, disrupts aquatic ecosystems and destroys livelihoods dependent on fishing and water-based commerce.
“This persistent problem has made illegal dredging a central focus of discussions for the upcoming summit.”
“We cannot overemphasize the devastating impact these activities could have on our daily lives and on posterity,” Alebiosu said.
“This is why we have made it a point of necessity to bring it to the global stage, where all stakeholders, from riverine states in Nigeria, government agencies, community leaders, environmental experts, to private sector partners will deliberate and chart a lasting solution.”
The 1st Waterfront Summit is envisioned as a collaborative platform to foster dialogue, share best practices and develop actionable policies aimed at protecting Lagos’ waterfronts for current and future generations.
Commissioner Alebiosu urged members of the public to engage actively by registering for the summit through the official links provided on the Ministry’s social media platforms. He emphasized that collective action remains essential to ending the scourge of illegal dredging once and for all.
As Lagos grapples with these environmental challenges, the summit offers hope for sustainable solutions to preserve its vital waterways and safeguard the communities that depend on them.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical initiative from Lagos State Government.
