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… State issues 7-day ultimatum on all dredging along inland waterways
Tayo Olanipekun
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, has described the recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, delivered on July 18, 2017, as a big win for true federalism in Nigeria.
The ruling had set aside the Judgment of the Federal High Court and allowing the Appeal of the State Government on its right to control its inland waterways to the exclusion of the Federal Government.
Kazeem made the assertion on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja, during a joint press conference which included the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, and Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya.
According to Kazeem, the judgment represents a monumental win for Lagos and indeed, all states with waterways. He said considering the matter from a moral, legal and economic standpoint, the state is highly elated by the court’s decision and that there is a sense of vindication on the part of Lagos regarding the matter.
According to him, this is an affirmation of the right of Lagos to control it’s resources, specifically its inland waterways.
“The Lagos State government is very pleased with the outcome of the suit that reaffirms the Constitution right of a State Government to control its inland waterways.
“There have been varied attempts by those who lost out in this judgment to whittle down the effect of the judgment but we are unperturbed and believe strongly that the judgment is very clear and the Constitution is also clear on this issue. Lagos State says thank you very much to the Court of Appeal for this erudite decision,” Kazeem said.
The Commissioner alluded to the fact in this era of lean resources, the Appeal Court judgment is a breath of fresh air for internally generated revenue, and that it would also help the State government restore its environment and control the menace of flooding amongst other things.
“We are not out to antagonise or fight anybody but we will be uncowed, we will be unbowed and we will be fiercely protective of our God-given resources and will never relent in championing the cause of true fiscal federalism in Nigeria. If it is the wish of NiWA to challenge the right of the Lagos State government to control its resources at the Supreme Court, we say we are ready,” he said.
On his part, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Adebowale Akinsanya, said consequent upon the judgment, his Ministry would be embarking upon aggressive enforcement of laws to provide for the regulation of waterfront infrastructure development in the State.
He said a seven-day ultimatum is hereby issued to all dredging and related activities within and along Lagos Inland Waterways. He said the order will be enforced until proper inventory of environmental degradation suffered by the environment had been taken while State policy on same is made.
“We will ensure balance between economic development and preservation that will permit the beneficial use of waterfronts. We intend to maintain and control land reclamation and extension walls along the waterfronts. We will renew, revoke, suspend, cancel or transfer Operations Permit granted.
“We equally intend to establish and regulate standards for development on all waterfronts. There is going to be permit for sand dealing or sand dredging from within, around or on waterfronts and embarkments and we will be granting permit yo construct, develop or erect any building, or any structure required along the waterfront within Lagos State,” Akinsanya said.
