Lagos State Government has arrested 14 illegal Sand Dredgers on the shoreline of Ikoyi-Lekki axis on Banana Island, during a compliance enforcement exercise.
The enforcement exercise was conducted by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, aimed at protecting the shoreline against illegal reclamation extensions.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi who led the enforment team, said, “In some locations, they have extended up to 120 meters beyond the original shoreline, narrowing the waterways and creating nuisance hindering water transportation”.
He added that the reclamation extensions for real estate development were identified in 23 locations on the shoreline of Banana Island which were at different stages of completion. He further stated that they were promptly marked for removal and restoration of the shoreline.
However, the 14 Illegal Dredgers arrested have been taken to court and are being prosecuted by the Environmental and Special Offences Court in Oshodi, Lagos.
The compliance monitoring exercise is expected to continue into the Lekki Peninsula, Ikorodu and the Ojo-Badagry axis.
NAOMY ORANEZU,
INFORMATION OFFICER,
FIC, LAGOS.
