The Lagos State Government has arrested 14 illegal sand dredgers on the shoreline of the Ikoyi-Lekki axis in 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.
Leading the Enforcement team, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi said: “In some locations, they have extended up to 120 metres beyond the original shoreline, narrowing the waterways and creating nuisance hindering water transportation.”
He said 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.
“They were promptly marked for removal and restoration of the shoreline,” he said.
However, the 14 illegal dredgers arrested have been taken to court and are being prosecuted by the Environmental and Special offenses Court in Oshodi, Lagos.
The Compliance monitoring exercise is expected to continue into the Lekki Peninsula, Ikorodu and the Ojo-Badagry axis.