The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID), is ramping up efforts to combat illegal dredging and its detrimental effects on local communities.
In preparation for the state’s first Waterfront Summit on September 12, 2025, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development Dayo Bush-Alebiosu called for the active participation of residents.
Alebiosu warned that illegal dredging is a “silent destroyer” that accelerates coastal erosion, exacerbates flooding, disrupts marine ecosystems, and devastates the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing and water-based trade, particularly in areas like Makoko.
He emphasised that residents who engage in or support these activities are “engineering their own downfall”, as the resulting environmental and economic consequences will harm the entire populace.
The commissioner stated that the persistence of this problem has made it a key topic for the upcoming summit.
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The summit aims to create a platform for dialogue among stakeholders from Nigerian riverine states, government agencies, community leaders, environmental experts, and private sector partners.
The goal is to develop actionable policies and share best practices to safeguard Lagos‘ waterfronts for future generations.
Alebiosu urged the public to register and participate in the event, underscoring that a collective action is crucial to ending the scourge of illegal dredging.
