LASG SEALS MULTIPLE DREDGING SITES IN IBEJU-LEKKI LG OVER ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

ENGR. ABIOLA OLOWU AND HON. (ENGR) OLOWA UNITE TO CALL FOR ECO-FRIENDLY DREDGING In a decisive move to safeguard the environment and protect vulnerable communities, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources under the Lagos State Government has sealed several unregulated dredging sites across key waterfront areas, which includes Okegun Odofin, Bogije, Oribanwa and Abijo. The enforcement action, led by Engr. Abiola Olowu, Special Adviser to the Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu in conjunction with the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Issa Maruf Olayinka, underscores government’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of residents. The exercise which started in the morning and lasted till evening, targeted sites where unchecked dredging activities have caused severe environmental degradation, including erosion, sedimentation of waterways, and pollution of the Lagoon ecosystem. These operations have not only contributed to flooding risks but have also severely impacted local inhabitants, leading to poor living conditions, loss of livelihoods and health hazards from dust and water contamination. During the operation exercise, the Special Adviser issued immediate stop-work orders until the operators comply with mandatory road maintenance that leads to the dredging sites. In his words, “It is unfair to disturb law abiding citizens with reckless abandon while conducting your own business, thereby making the access road inaccessible to inhabitants”. While not creating any hindrance to the business activities of the dredgers, Hon. Abiola Olowu maintained that law abiding citizens of the state ought to enjoy their peace and not feel threatened by their operations. The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Issa Maruf Olayinka posited that overloaded haulage trucks also cause sand spillage, potholes, safety hazards on access roads and infrastructure damage as the Local Government has been responsible for drainage clearing and sand evacuation on the roads owing to the activities of the dredgers. He affirmed that the Local Government will continue to partner with the state Government as security measures have been put in place in the sealed sites. Residents who came out during the visit expressed happiness with the timely intervention of the Government, particularly on the activities of the dredgers. According to Mr. Alli, a resident in the Abijo area, he complained about water spillage from heavy-duty trucks as his house is always flooded, despite using huge sum of money to ensure his place is habitable. Other residents who could not move their cars to their residence lamented the price hike of boarding motorcycles (Okada) in order to get to their destination. The closure order takes effect immediately until the strict compliance for the road maintenance is adhered to as the Lagos State Government in conjunction with Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, is poised to ensure its citizens live and enjoy better lives The enforcement team, also comprised officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, led by Mr. Cardoso Sorinola, Director of Solid Minerals, the Council Manager, Mr. Oladipupo Abiodun Otinwa, the Council Engineer, Mr. Kamiyo Tijani