A total of four Chinese nationals and 16 other individuals have been apprehended by the Lagos State Government for engaging in unauthorized dredging operations across different waterfronts in the Ibeju-Lekki and Eti-Osa Local Government Areas of the State.
The Chinese nationals, held responsible for significant environmental degradation and erosion of Lagos’ shorelines, were caught red-handed at Eputu and Bogije conducting illegal dredging and engaging in industrial activities, including the unauthorized manufacturing of tug-boats, in violation of the State’s dredging regulations.
Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi, spearheading the enforcement squad responsible for the arrests, highlighted the substantial losses incurred by the state due to the activities of illicit dredgers.
Abdullahi, overseeing the inspection of other unlawful dredging sites at Langbasa and Ebute Sangotedo, where unauthorized dredging facilities were sealed off and on-site operators were apprehended, urged all dredging operators within the State to seek the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development and regularize their documentation to ensure compliance with the State’s regulations.
He further confirmed that the apprehended individuals have already been charged and will be prosecuted accordingly.