Nigeria: Illegal Dredging Causes Major Concerns in Lagos

“Danger is imminent in Lagos, unless relevant stakeholders come together to quickly nip the threat of illegal mining and dredging in the bud,” says Governor Babatunde Fashola during a 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 axis, Fashola expressed serious displeasure at the extent of damage being done to the environment.

Operators of gas pipelines have equally expressed similar fears with regards to the operation of illegal miners, especially along Badagry axis.

Charles Adeniji, Managing Director, West African Gas Pipelines Company (WAGPCO), recently raised an alarm on 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, Adeniji claimed there is a possibility of an ocean surge which could adversely impact the livelihood of the residents.

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Dredging Today Staff, May 29, 2012;