The Lagos State Government has defended the ongoing reclamation project at the Makoko Waterfront, stating that the development received approvals from both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government before work commenced.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, made the clarification during an appearance on a television programme monitored in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to Alebiosu, the project is being executed by FBT Coral, which secured all statutory approvals, including environmental and drainage clearances, before beginning reclamation activities.
He explained that concerns raised by the Federal Ministry of Works over possible dredging activities near the Third Mainland Bridge prompted further investigations, which revealed that sand was being sourced from locations several kilometres away and not from around the bridge.
The commissioner disclosed that the project was suspended for about a year to allow the developer obtain additional clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works before work resumed.
Alebiosu also reiterated the state’s commitment to tackling illegal dredging, warning that continued environmental violations could have serious consequences for waterfront communities.
