Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed excitement at the judgment of Appeal Court in Lagos which set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court empowering the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to regulate transportation and sand dredging in the State, saying that the development would go a long way to aid the efforts of the State Government in abating flood.
The Appellate Court had, on July 18, 2017, allowed the Appeal of the State Government and set aside the judgment of the lower court.
Speaking while swearing-in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State in Alausa; Ambode described the judgment as a major success in the quest of the State Government to control its resources and enshrine the true spirit of fiscal federalism.
He said with the judgment, the era of uncontrolled dredging is now over in the State as the State Government would now take firm control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including all sand dredging activities.
“I am delighted to inform you that the State Government has recorded a major success in its quest to control its resources and enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism.
“Last week on 18th July 2017, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division allowed the appeal of the Lagos State Government and set aside the Federal High Court judgment which gave the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority to regulate transportation and sand dredging.
“The era of uncontrolled dredging is over and this serves as a clear warning that the Lagos State Government will now take firm control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including all sand dredging activities. This will further aid our efforts in abating flood in the State,” Ambode said.
Addressing the new council chiefs at a well-attended event which witnessed attendance of key party leaders as well as families, friends and well-wishers, Ambode said with the successful completion of Local Government election which held last Saturday, his administration has, once again, demonstrated total commitment to deepen democratic values and good governance at the grassroots.
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