Currently, sand digging is a lucrative business in Lagos State, partly due to developmental projects, either by the government or private developers, with the activities carried out with reckless abandon. However, concerns have been expressed by the citizens because of risks associated with this illegal excavations, ranging from induced erosion, negative impacts on the road infrastructures and general degradation on the environment. For a long time, informed residents have been expressing worries over illegal dredging, sand filling and other related activities in some communities across the state, especially, the suburbs, where not fully developed lands are available. However, in recent times, sand digging for commercial purposes have been carried out in places like Ikorodu-Itoikin; Ketu_Ejirin-Temu axis in Epe, Ijebu-Ode Epe road axis; Ibeju-Sangotedo along the Lekki axis and Ita-oluwo-Ishawo in ikorou en route Lagos-Ibadan expressway, where virgin lands are available. “Currently between Imota and Itoikin, a distance of less than 20 kilometres, there are more than four sites where sand digging activities are ongoing.

Source: Nigerian Tribune January 24, 2018 02:48 UTC