Sand dredging is reshaping the coastline of Africa’s largest city, Lagos, and driving away fish and livelihoods for some of Nigeria's poorest people. Scientists have warned that the dredging reduces the local lagoon’s ability to absorb floodwaters. That increases long-term risks for the city and its population of over 17 million people. The transformation is most visible near Lagos’ fishing communities. Residents say the encroachment has destroyed fishing grounds and put many out of work. The Lagos State government has repeatedly pledged to crack down on illegal dredging among dozens of operators, but community leaders say enforcement is inconsistent.
