Lagos dredging boom fuels development but sinks fishing livelihoods

Underneath a major expressway, individuals are engaged in dredging activities in the Lagos Lagoon to supply sand for the rapidly expanding megacity. This activity has seen significant growth due to the increased demand for sand, which is crucial for concrete production and land reclamation projects in Lagos.

Dredging involves the extraction of sand from beneath the water surface. As explained by a dredging operator, the sand is collected using a barge, which then transports it to the designated location.

The dredging activities have adversely affected fishing communities, such as Makoko, which is a long-established waterfront settlement in Lagos. The proximity of dredging operations to residential areas and the expansion of reclaimed land for new developments pose significant challenges.

Local community leader Baale Semede Emmanuel highlights the negative impact on livelihoods, noting the depletion of fish populations due to the disturbance caused by dredging activities and the encroachment on fish breeding areas. This has resulted in reduced fish catches, pushing fishermen to venture further offshore, thereby increasing operational costs and risks.

Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Response

Research indicates that dredging contributes to increased water turbidity, which disrupts fish reproduction and migration patterns. The diminishing fish stocks necessitate longer fishing expeditions, raising both financial and safety concerns for the fishing community.

In response to these issues, authorities have committed to enforcing regulations against illegal dredging practices. However, local residents report that enforcement efforts have been inconsistent, exacerbating flood risks due to the depletion of natural lagoon buffers.

Based on reporting by Africanews.