Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has ordered the immediate shutdown of a dredging site in Bogije Community following severe flooding caused by its overflow after days of persistent rainfall. The directive, according to the council, is intended to protect lives and property while preventing further damage to the affected community. But the question that begs to be asked is: why did it take a catastrophe for the local government to act?
The recent downpour, which has continued across parts of Lagos State, caused the dredging site to overflow, triggering widespread flooding in Bogije Community. The floodwaters reportedly inundated several residential buildings and business premises, leaving many residents counting their losses. Videos showing the extent of the flooding and the plight of affected residents have circulated widely on social media, with members of the community calling on the local government for urgent intervention. In response, the council identified the immediate closure of the dredging site as a necessary measure to halt further flooding and reduce the risk of additional damage.
Chairman Olowa assured residents that the local government was fully aware of the challenges confronting the community and remained committed to protecting the lives and welfare of those affected. He further stated that additional measures were being implemented to address the flooding, mitigate its impact and prevent similar incidents in the future. The local government also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with relevant officials as assessment, emergency response and remediation efforts continue across the affected areas.
This is not the first time the Bogije dredging site has been a source of concern. In November 2025, the Lagos State Government sealed multiple dredging sites in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area over widespread environmental degradation and community safety concerns. The sealed sites were to remain closed until operators met the government's requirements for road maintenance and environmental protection. Yet, here we are, months later, dealing with the consequences of what appears to be a failure of enforcement.
The heavy rainfall experienced in recent weeks led to the overflow of the dredging site, resulting in severe flooding across Bogije Community. Residents have been deeply affected, with several homes and businesses reportedly suffering damage as a result of the flood. The closure of the dredging site has been identified as a critical first step in curbing further damage linked to the flooding. But is a closure order enough when the damage has already been done?
The Lagos State Government has been battling flooding for years, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently approving the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state. The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, has attributed the perennial flooding in the state to bad public habits and unauthorised land reclamation. Yet, the Bogije incident raises uncomfortable questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
The Ibeju-Lekki Local Government's decision to order the immediate closure of the dredging site is a step in the right direction, but it is a reactive measure that came after residents had already suffered. The local government has assured residents that further measures are being put in place to mitigate the effects of the flooding and prevent a recurrence. However, given the history of unregulated dredging activities in the area and the Lagos State Government's past crackdowns, residents may be forgiven for asking: what took so long?
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