Illegal Dredging: Collective Action Key to Ending Scourge—LASG
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has reiterated its commitment to tackling the growing menace of illegal dredging and its devastating impact on communities across the state.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, made this known in Lagos on Tuesday while addressing his staff ahead of the 1st Waterfront Summit, scheduled for Sept. 12.
Alebiosu said that a collective action was key to ending the scourge of illegal dredging. He, therefore, called for active community involvement in confronting the crisis.
The commissioner warned that residents who encourage or participate in illegal dredging were ‘engineering their own downfall’. He added that the environmental, social, and economic consequences of their actions would ultimately harm their own lives and the lives of the entire populace.
Alebiosu described illegal dredging as a “silent destroyer” of coastal and riverine communities. He noted that it accelerates erosion, worsens flooding, disrupts aquatic life, and destroys livelihoods dependent on fishing and water-based commerce especially in areas like Makoko.
The commissioner stressed that the persistent nature of this problem was what had made it one of the major topics for deliberation at the upcoming summit. “We cannot overemphasise the devastating impact these activities could have on our daily lives and on posterity and 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 to community leaders, environmental experts, and private sector partners will deliberate and chart a lasting solution,” Alebiosu said.
He emphasised that the summit would serve as a collaborative platform to foster dialogue, share best practices, and develop actionable policies that safeguard Lagos’ waterfronts for present and future generations.
The commissioner urged members of the public to register and participate in the summit through the official links available on all the Ministry’s social media platforms. #Illegal Dredging: Collective Action Key to Ending Scourge—LASG Stanbic IBTC, BUA Foods Drive Intraday Rally on NGX
