17th May, 2010
The Lagos State Government has prosecuted 21 illegal sand dredgers arrested in the state.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru, who disclosed this, said the affected persons were investigated and found wanting, which warranted their prosecution.
Commenting on the activities of sand diggers and stock pilling applicants, the Commissioner confirmed that only 15 of such approvals had been given while necessary environment impact assessment determined those to benefit and when such permit will be given.
“Non compliance with the dictates of the law”, he said, ”attracts a penalty of two years in prison or a fine of N1 million,†he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that 10 new waterfront schemes, developed by the ministry would soon be unveiled by the state government for prospective developers.
The estates/schemes are Amuwo Odofin waterfront; Okun Ajah, Tope Coral Island, Saphire waterfront, Ibeshe waterfront, Epe Marina, Idale Whedako, Gberefu and other Lagoon Island foreshore and Marina developments.
According to him, the schemes were in the last stages of approval and were ready for allocation.
Oniru also said a preliminary geological mapping of Lagos State has been carried out to evaluate its oil and gas potentials, as well as silica sand deposits.
—Kazeem  Ugbodaga