The Lagos State Government has warned that illegal and uncontrolled dredging activities across the state could increase construction expenses and place additional pressure on housing delivery if urgent steps are not taken to regulate the sector.

The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, during the 2026 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing held to commemorate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s third year of his second-term administration.

According to the commissioner, increasing sand depletion across Lagos has become a major concern as developers now source sand from distant communities due to declining availability in traditional areas.

He explained that land reclamation projects around the Lekki-Ajah corridor are now depending on sand supplies from communities in Ikorodu, indicating that deposits within closer areas are gradually becoming exhausted.

“It confirms my fears. If developers reclaim land in Ajah and now source sand from Ikorodu, it suggests that available sand resources in those locations are reducing significantly,” he said.

Sand Scarcity May Affect Housing Delivery

Bush-Alebiosu warned that continued depletion of sand resources may trigger a rise in construction costs, which could eventually impact housing projects and infrastructure development within the state.

With construction materials already becoming increasingly expensive, he noted that persistent pressure on sand supply could worsen affordability challenges in the real estate and housing sectors.

He stressed the need for stronger regulations and accurate industry data to monitor dredging activities and understand the volume of sand extracted daily.

“We need proper data. We need to know the number of operators, the quantity of sand being extracted and what remains in those locations,” he stated.

The commissioner explained that understanding the scale of extraction would help authorities develop policies capable of ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

Government Links Dredging to Environmental and Food Security Risks

Beyond construction concerns, the commissioner also raised alarm over environmental consequences associated with excessive dredging activities.

According to him, aquatic ecosystems are increasingly being disrupted, affecting fishing activities and creating pressure on food supply chains.

He noted that fishermen often struggle to sustain their activities whenever dredging operations disturb natural habitats.

“It is putting food security at risk. Once aquatic life is disrupted, fishermen are forced to work harder and naturally the cost of fish increases,” he said.

Bush-Alebiosu also cited communities such as Ibese in Ikorodu as examples of areas already experiencing road and infrastructure damage caused by heavy dredging activities.

Lagos Intensifies Monitoring Against Illegal Operators

The commissioner disclosed that the ministry has continued collaborating with relevant agencies and local communities to curb illegal dredging operations through monitoring and enforcement exercises.

He added that community whistleblowing has also become a critical tool in identifying illegal operators.

While addressing concerns over foreign involvement in illegal dredging, he argued that local collaboration often enables such activities.

“We cannot continue blaming foreigners alone. We also need to ask how they gained access in the first place,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustainable dredging practices, environmental protection and long-term infrastructure planning.

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At 10 p.m. on Wednesday, when much of Lagos should have been quiet, the Lekki–Ajah corridor was still glowing red from endless brake lights. Car horns filled the air, and frustrated drivers leaned out of their windows, cursing and commiserating as the fumes of thousands of vehicles hung heavy.

For hours, the traffic hadn’t moved. There was no accident, no rainfall only a road so battered that it had become a trap. Some commuters, exhausted, turned off their engines and slumped in silence; others abandoned their cars, trekking home under dim streetlights.

It wasn’t just congestion; it was paralysis—complete gridlock on one of Lagos’ most vital commercial arteries.

“I spent four hours getting to work,” said Bayo Adeyinka, a financial expert, who later tagged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a viral post appealing for repairs. “There was no obstruction, just a bad road. Please fix it.”

By midnight, the jam still hadn’t eased. The Lekki–Epe Expressway—a lifeline for residents of Ajah, VGC, Abijo, and Ibeju-Lekki—had become a motionless parking lot.

The Road That Eats Time

From Abijo to Jakande, commuters described the day as endless. Sylvester Akobe said it took him five hours to cover a short distance, blaming the poor road. Tope Yisau spent nearly eight hours commuting to and from work—time lost to exhaustion and frustration.

Families suffer too. One father, Adekunle Shotubo, said his son now returns from school by 7 p.m. “When does he rest or do homework?” a friend replied. For many, long commutes have stolen rest, family time, and productivity.

Broken Infrastructure, Broken Spirits

Across social media, commuters shared their anger and fatigue.

“I left Ogombo at 5:10 a.m., and by 9:50 a.m., I still hadn’t reached Lekki Phase One,” wrote @EnergyGoddessA. “I get queried at work for lateness caused by roads only the government can fix.”

Another post read: “A car dodging a pothole nearly crashed. We shouldn’t have to live like this.”

The High Cost of Poor Planning

The Lekki–Epe corridor was meant to be a symbol of modern Lagos. Instead, it has become an example of unchecked expansion without matching infrastructure.

“The Epe/Lekki axis grows daily,” wrote researcher Charles Anazodo, “yet there’s only one route in and out. Lagos earns the highest IGR in Nigeria, but residents suffer from decayed roads.”

Other residents have called for alternative routes—bridges linking Ajah to Ikorodu, and new bypasses to ease pressure on the expressway.

Lagos Loses ₦4 Trillion Annually to Traffic

The Lekki–Epe corridor alone accounts for a major portion of Lagos’ ₦4 trillion annual loss to traffic congestion. Poor roads, encroachment, reckless parking, and weak enforcement turn the expressway into an obstacle course.

While the first rehabilitation phase (Eleko–Epe Junction) was reported 95% complete in 2022, the second phase, Eleko to Abraham Adesanya, remains slow, trapping thousands in gridlock daily

Encroachments also worsen the problem, as informal markets and illegal car lots occupy designated setbacks.

Trucks, Craters, and Chaos

The influx of heavy-duty trucks serving refineries and the Free Trade Zone has compounded the crisis. Overloaded vehicles damage the roads and clog narrow lanes, creating the “Apapa-style” gridlock residents now call the “Apaparisation of Lekki.”

Mental and Economic Toll

The impact goes beyond inconvenience. Residents describe psychological stress, lost work hours, and soaring fuel costs.

“We’re losing valuable time and risking our health,” wrote Oluwaseyi Oriola. “We need sustainable infrastructure and public transport.”

For others, the despair runs deep. “I cried driving from the Island to Yaba,” said Treasure Joy. “I dread going home.”

Failing Leadership and Fading Patience

Some residents have begun questioning leadership priorities. “A state generating over ₦50 billion monthly shouldn’t have this level of neglect,” wrote Mobolaji Johnson.

Many believe the crisis reflects years of underinvestment in road maintenance, poor planning, and slow policy response.

Government Response

The Lagos State Government has introduced several measures, including the E-Call Up System for trucks to regulate traffic around the Lekki–Epe Free Trade Zone. Set for full enforcement in August 2025, the system aims to prevent indiscriminate truck parking.

Authorities have also begun demolishing illegal structures along the corridor to reclaim road space. The ongoing rehabilitation of the Eti-Osa/Lekki–Epe Expressway covering 45 km is expected to ease congestion once completed.

Still, residents remain cautious. “The government has shown intent,” said Chief James Emadoye of the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association. “But intent alone cannot move vehicles. We need results.”

Until then, the Lekki–Epe Expressway remains a slow crawl of frustration—an enduring test of patience for thousands who call the corridor home.

Source: Punch

By: Godfrey George

The post Lekki–Epe Expressway Gridlock: Bad Roads, Lost Time, and Lagos’ Failing Infrastructure appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

WaterAid has projected that by 2028, at least 10 million residents will gain direct access to basic WASH services across Lagos.

Speaking at a media roundtable, Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, confirmed that work had commenced on the project.

He stated that locations for the new toilets had already been identified to help eliminate open defecation in Lagos.

Rotimi-Akodu outlined the state’s three-way approach, which includes infrastructure development, advocacy, and strict enforcement for improved sanitation practices.

The government is prioritizing public toilet availability to reduce healthcare costs and enhance overall public health across communities.

Rotimi-Akodu emphasized the government’s stance against drilling boreholes, preferring to enhance Lagos Water Corporation’s capacity instead.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, highlighted illegal water usage concerns affecting government water supply efforts.

He explained that the state is exploring sustainable strategies to regulate and finance potable water supply across Lagos.

Meanwhile, WaterAid’s State Programme Lead, Dr. Adebayo Alao, revealed Kimberly Clark’s $1 million donation towards hygiene improvements.

The initiative targets 45,000 lactating women, adolescent girls, and vulnerable groups, promoting better hygiene behaviors within communities.

WaterAid has also facilitated the renovation of two Primary Health Centres with improved water and sanitation facilities.

Medical equipment worth ₦30 million was supplied to PHCs in Ogba and Odo-Nla, Epe, enhancing healthcare delivery services.

Additional achievements include support for Lagos State’s WASH policy review and rehabilitation of dysfunctional waterworks infrastructure.

A technical assessment of water supply systems led to the ongoing rehabilitation of Akilo Water Works in Lagos.

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During a stakeholders’ engagement at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) headquarters, government officials reiterated the need for compliance with legal building standards.

Two-Week Deadline for Property Owners
Dr. Babatunde Abiodun, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, stressed that all properties on Banana Island must have valid building approvals. He highlighted the increasing number of illegal shoreline extensions and warned that such infractions would not be tolerated.

Property owners with developments along the shoreline have been given a two-week ultimatum to submit relevant documents for verification.

Government Officials Face Obstruction
Nurudeen Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, condemned recent incidents where government officials were prevented from conducting routine inspections.

“It is completely unacceptable for anyone to obstruct lawful duties. Development control ensures safety and order for all residents, and we will not be deterred,” Sodeinde stated.

Enforcement Actions to Follow
LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, announced that structures encroaching on high-tension powerline setbacks would be removed after the deadline.

“These buildings pose serious risks to lives and violate safety codes. We will commence enforcement immediately after the ultimatum expires,” Oki warned.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its stance on strict urban planning enforcement, urging property owners to comply with regulations to avoid demolition or legal action.

The post LASG Cracks Down on Illegal Building Extensions on Banana Island appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has refuted claims circulating in some online media that it has revoked all existing building permits.

Mr. Olaoye Olusegun, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), clarified in a statement on Sunday that the reports are untrue and misleading.

Olusegun emphasized that the issuance of Planning Permits falls under the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, supervised by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.

READ ALSO: Lagos Physical Planning Ministry to Generate N151 Billion for 2024 Budget

“The directive issued by Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, is that Letters of Authorisation to commence construction, issued by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, need to be revalidated,” Olusegun explained.

He noted that many developers fail to engage all necessary professionals in their projects after obtaining the letter to commence construction. The revalidation process aims to audit and authenticate the professionals involved in building construction across the state.

Dr. Babatunde also stated that buildings under construction that have been abandoned for extended periods must be re-certified before construction can resume to ensure structural stability.

Additional directives include prohibiting anyone from sleeping in buildings under construction, limiting construction activities to before 7:00 PM daily, and banning construction work on Sundays.

Babatunde urged property owners and developers to revalidate all Letters of Authorisation for building construction and to always engage relevant professionals in their projects.

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