Lagos Says Makoko Waterfront Reclamation Has Federal, State Approval

The Lagos State Government says the Makoko waterfront reclamation project near the Third Mainland Bridge had approvals from both the state and federal governments before work began.

Waterfront Infrastructure Development Commissioner Dayo Alebiosu said the project, around the Ebute Meta/Lagos Island interchange, is being handled by FBT Coral. He said the developer obtained the required federal approval and Lagos State clearance.

The clarification followed concerns that dredging close to the Third Mainland Bridge could affect the bridge’s structure. Alebiosu said checks showed that the developer was not dredging near the bridge, but pumping sand from locations several kilometres away to the reclamation site.

He also said the project went through an Environmental Impact Assessment and secured drainage clearance before it was approved.

The commissioner said Lagos suspended the project for about one year so the developer could obtain additional clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works. A technical committee later reviewed the work and cleared it to continue.

Alebiosu said the relevant agencies assessed the project and agreed it could proceed, adding that he would not describe it as an illegal development.

He also repeated the state’s warning against illegal dredging. According to him, recent bathymetric surveys showed that sand deposits in Lagos waterways are being depleted, with operators now sourcing sand from farther offshore than before.

The commissioner said his ministry had not issued a dredging permit since he assumed office and would keep enforcing the law against illegal operators.

Sources: Premium Times, Punch