Nigeria: Ogun State Takes Action Against Illegal Dredging

The Ogun State Government will station security operatives in strategic locations across the State to curb the menace of illegal dredging.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru made this revelation at Kara-Isheri in Ifo Local Government Area during an unscheduled visit to the area where illegal dredging had been going on.

He explained that the move became imperative following the reluctance of those involved in the uncharitable act to stop, warning that anyone caught would be made to face the music. “Henceforth, security operatives will be stationed permanently in illegal dredging sites to check the operators and apprehend any offender. We are determined to put a stop to this illegal act,” he said.

Otunba Ashiru explained that if allowed to go on unchecked, indiscriminate dredging could aggravate environmental hazard and put live and property of residents in jeopardy, adding that operators were also depriving the State of funds that should have been generated into its coffers which could be useful to execute its mission to rebuild programmes.

The Commissioner enjoined anyone or group interested in dredging to follow due process by approaching his Ministry for necessary directives, pointing out that the State Government, through the Gateway Holdings had earlier procured the dredging license from the Federal Government

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Press Release, April 18, 2013