Stunning Photos Reveal How Nigerian Sand Dredgers Are Reshaping Lagos’ Coastline

January 29, 2026

Photos of Nigerian sand dredgers reshaping Lagos’ coastline, one bucket at a time

Sand Dredging in Lagos Lagoon

In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, workers immerse themselves in the cloudy waters of the Lagos Lagoon, retrieving sand through a traditional method. They submerge for approximately 15 seconds at a time, extracting sand-filled buckets that are destined for various construction projects in the area.

The process of loading a boat with sand typically spans about three hours and results in earnings of around 12,000 naira (equivalent to $8) for intermediaries who then sell the sand to larger purchasers. According to dredgers and local vendors, the cost of sand has been climbing, reflecting its key role in concrete production.

Observations indicate significant transformations in the lagoon’s landscape. Areas that were once vast open waters are now interspersed with emerging sandy islets. These changes are altering the waterways and impacting the flow of currents, which are vital for the livelihood of local fishermen numbering in the thousands.

Note: The above narrative accompanies a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

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