Lagos says illegal dredging, climate pressures threatening lagoon survival

The Lagos state government unchecked human activities and climate-driven pressures are threatening to destroy the lagoon.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Alausa, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, the commissioner for waterfront infrastructure development, described the lagoon as being under unprecedented strain.

He noted that the combination of illegal dredging, coastal erosion and industrial pollution could devastate communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods unless urgent action is taken.

Bush-Alebiosu said Lagos loses an estimated 10,625 cubic metres of sand daily to dredging activities, a practice he warned could destroy aquatic habitats and endanger communities along the waterfront.

He said a bathymetric and hydrographic survey is underway to identify over-dredged areas, with Ibeshe already marked as heavily impacted.

The commissioner noted that Lagos has already lost some coastal communities to erosion, including Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki, and stressed the need for urgent measures to protect lives and livelihoods.

“Coastal erosion is a regional problem with global implications. Lagos must take urgent steps to safeguard its communities, infrastructure and economy. That is why we are collaborating with the Netherlands to explore lasting and innovative solutions,” he said.

Beyond the threats, Bush-Alebiosu highlighted the economic potential of the lagoon if properly managed, saying it could serve as a hub for transportation, tourism, fisheries and trade.

He also raised concerns about industrial pollution, noting that the lagoon is now one of Africa’s most polluted water bodies, with more than 10,000 cubic metres of effluents containing heavy metals discharged daily from oil, textile and manufacturing sectors.

“The lagoon is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our economy and our future. Without urgent and coordinated intervention, this vital ecosystem and the communities it supports may be lost forever,” he said.

Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, permanent secretary supervising the ministry of information and strategy, reiterated the government’s resolve to tackle illegal dredging and restore the lagoon.