Lagos defends Makoko reclamation amid environmental concerns, 3rd mainland bridge safety
By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Lagos State Government has defended the ongoing reclamation project at the Makoko Waterfront near the Ebute Meta/Lagos Island interchange, saying it was duly approved by both the Federal Government and the state government.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, made the clarification in a statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday while speaking on Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme monitored in Lagos.
Alebiosu said the project is being executed by FBT Coral, which obtained all statutory approvals, including federal authorisation, state permits, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and drainage clearance before work commenced.
He explained that concerns raised by the Federal Ministry of Works over possible dredging near the Third Mainland Bridge were investigated and found to be unfounded.
According to him, the developer was not dredging around the bridge but pumping sand from locations several kilometres away to the reclamation site.
The commissioner said the Lagos State Government suspended the project for about one year to enable the developer obtain additional clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works.
He added that a committee later reviewed the project and cleared it to resume after confirming it met all regulatory requirements.
“I am an architect, not an environmentalist or an engineer, so I am not in a position to question what the experts have done. Every relevant agency assessed the project and agreed it could proceed,” Alebiosu said.
Reiterating the state’s stance against illegal dredging, Alebiosu disclosed that his ministry had not issued any dredging permit since he assumed office.
He said recent bathymetric surveys showed sand deposits in Lagos waterways were declining, forcing operators to source sand from as far as 14 kilometres offshore, compared to about three kilometres previously.
According to him, the findings underscore the need to intensify efforts against illegal dredging to protect the state’s coastal environment.
Alebiosu acknowledged that illegal dredging remained a challenge despite ongoing enforcement and warned residents of Ikorodu and other waterfront communities against supporting the practice.
Makoko, one of Lagos’ largest informal waterfront settlements near the Third Mainland Bridge, has witnessed several demolition and clearance exercises over the years as part of government efforts to protect critical infrastructure, maintain waterways and address environmental concerns.
Recent activities in the area have also sparked public debate over their environmental and social impact.
