The Lagos State House of Assembly 7-member Ad-Hoc Committee on Illegal Dredging has taken drastic steps towards ending the menace of illegal dredgers activities in the State.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Victor Akande, during stakeholders’ meeting held at the Assembly Complex recently explained that the excess of petitions received by the House on the havoc caused by illegal dredging in many communities demanded an immediate advent for solutions to the activities and its environmental effect on the State.
Akande explained further that establishing regulations will lessen and alleviate the many issues caused by the dredging industries. “Any Federal Law made must be domesticated in the State and in the process of domesticating the Laws, we have to make regulations to suit our environment. Private establishments cannot be left to operate on State lands and waters without paying dues and fees, especially while making use of the State’s resources.” He said.
A member of the Committee, Hon. Ajani Owolabi, reinforced that Lagos State powers also covers the right to establish regulations for the operators on Lagos waterways, regardless of the Mineral Acts which states that the state can only obtain Haulage Fees, “We can still set regulations for mining participants on the waterways, as well as how they are mining, the proximity and parameters of the areas in which mining and dredging operates.” He said.
The lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland Constituency I, stated further that many dredging companies are in direct contradiction of the Laws of Nigerian Inland Waterways, (NIWA Act) which made provisions for the state to have 250 meters from Nigerian Ports.
This, according to Owolabi, many companies encroach on by having different types of types of machinery on the state land and dredging tools that goes into its waters across the state.
“When dredging companies obtain Permits in dubious manners to further their goals, they hinder the progress and development of Lagos State and we need you the stakeholders to understand that as residents and members of businesses in Lagos State, there is a need to work closely with the government, in order to be properly guided on areas that require dredging. With this, we can strengthen your businesses through our policies on dredging in the State.” Ajani stated.
The Commissioner for Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, who represented by Mr. Soji Olasunkanmi, disclosed to the Committee that their role in dredging activities in the State is to perform an environmental assessment and one of the many requirements of obtaining Dredging Permits is that dredging companies must undergo Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, before the Ministry of Water Front and Infrastructure can grant them Dredging Permit and same applies to Ministry of Mining before the operators can be granted Mining Permit.
Mr. Olasunkanmi, citing amended sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution highlighted that the State Legislative House is empowered to regulate Laws on environment; which consists of forests, waters, air and lands, within the state.
The Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure, Arch. Kabiru Ahmed Abdullahi, in his contribution, stated that when the ministries involved take necessary actions in making sure dredgers do the right thing, there will be a change in the system.
Also contributing, Engr. Olalere Odusoye, the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, noted that the Government have the right to issue permits for sand sales and the association should work closely with the Government for lasting solutions.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director/CEO of Rockston Dredging and Allied Works Limited and Chairman, Lagos Dredgers’ Association, Mr. Akpomejero Batare, persuaded the Committee that the Association is not aware of any illegal dredging nor practice any form of encroachment on land or on water.
Batare, pointed out that they are just involved in industrial mining, however, guarantee that all dredging operators will abide by the Laws of the State and are prepared to liaise with Lagos State for its progress.
All essential Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDA’s, Associations, Community Heads and Companies involved in dredging matters in Lagos State were all in attendance.
The report on the stakeholders meeting according to Chairman of the Committee is expected to be submitted in two weeks for further deliberation.
