Lagos State Government, yesterday, raised fresh concerns over the growing dangers associated with indiscriminate dredging activities across the state, warning that the increasing scarcity and high cost of sand could trigger wider economic, environmental, and food security challenges if urgent measures are not taken.

The state’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, stated this while presenting his account of stewardship over the last two years to journalists during the yearly media briefing.

According to the commissioner, while dredging remains essential for development and land reclamation projects, the growing desperation for sand across the state is already exposing the dangers of over-exploitation of the state’s waterways and coastal resources.

Alebiosu noted that developers carrying out reclamation projects in the Lekki-Ajah axis now source sand from communities as far as Ikorodu, sometimes pumping sand across distances of up to 10 to 12 kilometres due to depletion in closer locations.

He, therefore, warned that the development points to mounting pressure on available sand deposits across the state and underscores the urgent need for accurate data and stricter regulation of dredging activities.

The commissioner stressed that the state government is becoming increasingly cautious in issuing dredging licences and permits because of the need to properly understand how much sand is being extracted daily, how many operators are involved, and the volume of sand still available in various locations.

According to him, aggressive dredging activities disrupt aquatic microorganisms and marine habitats, forcing fishermen to travel farther and spend more resources before making catches.

He, however, reiterated the state government’s commitment to stricter regulation of dredging activities to prevent environmental degradation, protect waterfront communities, and ensure sustainable use of the state’s natural resources.

Meanwhile, Lagos State government has disbursed N1.933 billion loans and grants to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment and strengthen entrepreneurship.

Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, disclosed this during the media briefing.

Ajigbotafe said the financial intervention, implemented through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), included N1.91 billion in affordable loans disbursed to 4,036 MSMEs, alongside grants worth N23.628 million provided to 65 businesses to support operations, expansion and resilience.

According to the commissioner, the interventions form part of the state government’s broader strategy to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs and deepen economic inclusion across Lagos.

He further disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to train an additional 2,000 Lagos residents in vocational skills in 2026.