By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State government has taken a decisive stance against illegal dredging operations within its jurisdiction, pledging to root out those conducting such activities without proper government permits. This commitment was made clear by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Honorable Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, during a meeting with the executive council members of the Dredgers’ Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter.
The purpose of the meeting was to enlist the association’s cooperation in enforcing regulations governing dredging activities and to emphasize the zero-tolerance policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration toward illegal dredging operations in the state.
Commissioner Bush-Alebiosu explained that the meeting served as a platform for interaction with the association, enabling the government to gather firsthand information on how to enhance dredging activities while preserving the state’s waterfronts and preventing environmental degradation.
While seeking the association’s support in regulating dredging activities, Honorable Alebiosu firmly conveyed that the state would not tolerate the rampant illegal dredging activities occurring throughout the state. He also made it clear that government officials were prepared to initiate enforcement actions soon, and anyone found violating state dredging laws and regulations would face prosecution. He urged dredgers to obtain the necessary permits and regularize their operations without delay.
The Commissioner assured the association of the government’s commitment to standing by them as they carry out their lawful activities, offering support to ensure the maintenance of pristine waterfronts in Lagos State.
In his remarks, Mr. Kehinde Gbajumo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed his satisfaction with the attendance of the state executive members of the association at the meeting. He believed that this would effectively convey the state government’s views to their members. Gbajumo emphasized that dredging activities in the state were “no longer business as usual,” underscoring the ministry’s determination to enforce laws regulating these activities. He urged dredgers to adhere to the guidelines set forth.
The President of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Bature Akpomejero, pledged the association’s support and cooperation with the state government in eliminating illegal dredging operations within the state. He called for assistance from the ministry in properly regularizing dredging activities to combat the negative environmental impact caused by illegal dredgers.
Akpomejero also urged the ministry to address the issue of overloaded trucks used by dredgers and those transporting wet sand on the roads, which inflict significant damage to road infrastructure.
Richard Ntan, the secretary-general of the association, echoed these sentiments and assured the ministry of maximum cooperation and collaboration. He expressed the readiness of the association to cooperate with the government, calling for more meetings with the ministry to address operational challenges and identify areas of mutual benefit between dredgers and the state government.
The terms and conditions governing dredging operations were subsequently distributed to association members to further clarify their obligations to the state and ensure compliance with regulations.