Stopping Illegal Mining And Dredging In Lagos

There is an imminent danger in Lagos unless the relevant stakeholders come together to quickly address the threat that illegal mining and dredging pose to the state.


This was the view of Governor Babatunde Fashola during his visit to some coastal areas of Badagry.

Surprised at the level of degradation of the environment caused by the activities of illegal miners in the areas, the governor expressed displeasure at the extent of damage being done to the environment more so given the vulnerability of the state to flooding.

Similar sentiment was expressed by operators of gas pipelines regarding the operations of illegal miners in the state, especially around Badagry.

Charles Adeniji, managing director, West African Gas Pipelines Company, recently raised the alarm on the threats posed to gas pipelines in the state.

According to him, “Sand dredgers are depleting the sand along the Iworo-Ajido-Bagagry coastal area at an alarming rate which is threatening the operation of the pipelines system and livelihood of residents in the area”.

With continuing depletion of the coastal landscape, experts claim there is a possibility of an ocean surge which could adversely impact the residents.

Culled from PUNCH