LASG expands waterfront infrastructure, cracks down on illegal dredging

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to protect coastal communities, expand water transportation and tackle illegal activities along the state’s waterways, with the completion of major shoreline and waterfront infrastructure projects across Lagos.

The Honourable Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, disclosed this during the Y2026 Ministerial Press Briefing of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, where he presented the scorecard of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

Alebiosu highlighted several achievements and strategic interventions undertaken by the ministry as part of efforts to strengthen waterfront infrastructure, environmental sustainability and water transportation across the state.

The commissioner said the ministry had completed the reconstruction of over 3.7 kilometres of critical shoreline protection infrastructure aimed at safeguarding coastal communities against erosion and environmental threats.

According to him, the projects form part of broader efforts by the state government to strengthen climate resilience and protect vulnerable waterfront settlements.

Alebiosu also revealed that the ministry had advanced the construction of five modern jetties and the reconstruction of nine others across the state to improve water transportation and reduce pressure on Lagos roads.

He said the projects were designed to enhance connectivity within riverine communities while boosting safer and more efficient movement of passengers and goods through the waterways.

“As part of efforts to improve regulation and safety on the waterways, the Ministry carried out the channelisation of over 58.9 kilometres of waterways to ensure safer navigation for ferry operators and fishermen,” the commissioner stated.

The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry had intensified its crackdown on illegal sand dealing and unregulated dredging activities across Lagos waterfront communities, noting that such activities pose serious environmental and safety risks.

In a related development, Alebiosu said the ministry deployed drone technology to monitor ongoing reclamation activities at Orange Island.

According to him, a drone imagery survey was conducted at the site to verify that sand-filling and construction activities remained within approved extension boundaries.

The commissioner also disclosed that the ministry carried out corridor mapping of Ikaare, Ibeshe, Ilashe and Ilado communities along the Badagry Creek and Atlantic coastline to support proper planning, monitoring and sustainable waterfront development.

He added that the ministry had developed a comprehensive map capturing waterfront infrastructure projects across the state, including schemes, jetties and feeder routes, to improve coordination and accessibility.

To ensure maximum impact and efficiency in the discharge of its responsibilities, the commissioner said the ministry continues to collaborate with several ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as relevant stakeholders across different sectors.