Lagos Talks Tough Over Illegal Dredging , Threatens To Flush Unlicensed Operators

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructural Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu has stated that it will not condone the spate of illegal dredging activities being carried out in every nook and cranny of the State and will move out soon to carry out enforcement activities saying anybody seen violating dredging laws and regulations of the State will be prosecuted.

Alebiosu said this a meeting with the Executive members of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria at Alausa, seeking their cooperation in enforcing guidelines regulating dredging activities in the state.

According to the Commissioner, the meeting is a familiarisation forum to interact with members of the Association and get firsthand information from them on how dredging activities can be improved to maintain the State Waterfront and prevent degradation of the environment.

While soliciting their support in sanitising dredging activities in the State, Alebiosu also urged them to pay their fees and obtain all necessary permits as well as regularise their operations immediately.

He assured them of his readiness to stand by the association in carrying out their lawful activities and always support them in all they do to ensure good waterfronts in Lagos State.

In his remarks, Mr. Kehinde Gbajumo, the Permanent Secretary, expressed his delight that the members of the State Executive of the Association were present at the meeting which he believed would go a long way in conveying the views of the State Government to their members.

He noted that dredging activities in the State are “no longer business as usual” but that the Ministry is all out to enforce all laws regulating dredging activities and enjoined them to comply with the guidelines. Gbajumo disclosed that the Governor has given the Ministry a marching order to regulate all dredging activities in Lagos.

In his response, the President of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Bature Akpomejero pledged the support and cooperation of the Association to the State Government in getting rid of illegal dredgers in the State.

Soliciting the support of the government for proper regularisation of dredging activities to curb the activities of illegal dredgers and reduce their impact on the environment, the President urged the Ministry to also look into the issue of overloading of trucks and dredgers moving wet sands on the roads causing damage to the roads.

The National Secretary of the Association, Mr. Richard Ntanalso, speaking in the same vein, assured the Ministry of maximum cooperation and collaboration of the Association, noting that the Association believes in legality and will do everything to ensure that their activities are carried out in line with the rules and regulations.

He called for more meetings with the Ministry to be able to iron out grey areas affecting their operations while fashioning out areas of mutual benefit between Dredgers and the State Government.

Dredging Operation Terms and Conditions were later distributed to the members of the Association to enlighten them on their obligation to the State.