Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, made the clarification on Wednesday while addressing concerns surrounding the project during a television interview.
According to him, the reclamation is being carried out by FBT Coral, a private developer that fulfilled all regulatory requirements before work commenced.
Alebiosu said the company secured the necessary approvals from the Federal Government and also obtained all relevant permits from the Lagos State Government.
He explained that concerns were initially raised by the Federal Ministry of Works over the project's proximity to the Third Mainland Bridge, prompting further reviews.
The commissioner, however, said investigations confirmed that the developer was not dredging near the bridge but transporting sand from locations several kilometres away to the reclamation site.
He added that the project also passed an Environmental Impact Assessment and obtained the required drainage approvals before construction resumed.
According to Alebiosu, the state government suspended the project for about one year to allow the developer obtain additional clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works.
He noted that after a comprehensive assessment by a committee set up by the ministry, the project received approval to continue.
The commissioner stressed that the reclamation had been examined by all relevant regulatory agencies and found to be in compliance with existing standards.
Alebiosu also reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling illegal dredging, revealing that no new dredging permit has been issued since he assumed office.
He warned that sand deposits in Lagos waterways are gradually declining, urging residents, especially those in waterfront communities, to support efforts aimed at protecting the environment and preventing illegal dredging activities.
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