The leadership of Joint Community Development Associations (JointCDA) Isashi has formally presented a seven-point communiqué to the Association of Dredgers and Container Terminal Operators operating within the Isashi axis of Ibeshe, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Lagos State, raising concerns over alleged environmental degradation, public health threats, social vices and neglect of the host community
The communiqué, dated September 25, 2026, was presented during a stakeholders’ engagement in Isashi, following what the community leaders described as months of unresolved concerns arising from the activities of dredging and container terminal operators in the area.
The dredgers’ association representatives was led by Mr. Yisa Dosumu. He apologised for the inability of Mr. Tunde Adigun to attend the meeting in person.
Tension Over Missed Stakeholders’ Meeting
The engagement began with concerns over the failure of representatives of the dredgers to attend an earlier stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, at the Asashi Palace.
Raising the issue, Hon. Kayode Ogundeji (K-Money) demanded an unreserved apology from the dredgers’ representatives over their absence from the earlier meeting.
In response, Mr. Yisa Dosunmu apologised on behalf of the leadership of the Dredgers Association for its inability to attend the meeting.
Dosunmu also apologised for the absence of Mr. Tunde Adigun, explaining that he was unable to attend the engagement personally.
JointCDA: We Represent All Residents
Speaking during the engagement, Otunba Abiola Onabanjo, Chairman of Isashi-Graceland CDA, clarified that JointCDA Isashi represents all residents of the community, irrespective of whether they are indigenes or non-indigenes.
Onabanjo subsequently introduced the JointCDA delegation to the dredgers’ representatives, while Dosunmu introduced members of his team.
Also speaking, Pastor Pepe Asebiomo, Chairman of Temidire-Seaside CDA, explained that the purpose of the engagement was to facilitate a robust roundtable discussion on the urgent issues affecting residents of Isashi.
According to Asebiomo, several of the concerns raised by the community had already been itemised in the communiqué being formally submitted to the dredgers’ association.
Community Raises Concerns Over Previous Letters
Before the formal presentation, Otunba Abiola Onabanjo disclosed that JointCDA Isashi had previously written several letters to the dredging operators through the Palace of the Asashi of Isashi, but claimed that the community had not received meaningful feedback.
He said the community was seeking a stakeholders’ discussion forum where issues affecting the peace, safety and progressive development of Isashi could be thoroughly discussed and addressed.
Onabanjo subsequently formally presented the communiqué, titled “Formal Petition on Environmental Degradation, Public Health Threat, Social Vices and Total Neglect of Host Community by Dredging Operators in Isashi,” to Mr. Yisa Dosunmu on behalf of the dredgers’ association.
Seven-Point Petition
The seven-point communiqué highlighted several concerns attributed by the community to the activities of dredging and container terminal operators.
Among the issues raised were alleged man-made flooding caused by indiscriminate dumping of sharp sand, persistent noise pollution allegedly generated by trucks operating at midnight, dust emissions which the community said could contribute to respiratory problems, and alleged open defecation by truck drivers.
The community also raised concerns over alleged smoking of hemp and other hard substances, what it described as the absence of adequate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and the alleged exclusion of Isashi youths from employment opportunities connected to activities taking place within their community.
The communiqué referenced Sections 33, 34, 43, 44, 20 and 16(2)(d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, in stating the basis of some of its demands.
Seven-Day Deadline
JointCDA Isashi gave the Dredgers Association seven days to respond to the issues raised and convene a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at developing a time-bound action plan for addressing the concerns.
The community warned that failure to receive a satisfactory response within the stipulated period could lead it to petition relevant authorities, including the Lagos State Government, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Ministry of Environment, while also exploring other lawful avenues to protect the interests of residents.
Dredgers Promise Feedback
Receiving the communiqué on behalf of the Association of Dredgers and Container Terminal Operators, Mr. Yisa Dosunmu signed for the document and assured the community leaders that he and his team would communicate the concerns raised to the leadership of the association.
He further assured the JointCDA representatives that the community should expect feedback from the association.
The meeting ended peacefully, with the participants expressing willingness to continue dialogue and pursue a stakeholders’ engagement towards addressing the concerns raised by the Isashi community.
The community delegation included the Chief Imam of Isashi, Alhaji Surajudeen Sulu; Chairman of Isashi-Central CDA, Alhaji Akeem Babalola; Treasurer of Isashi-Tuntun CDA, Elder Abiodun Ogunsina; Chairman of Pacesetter CDA, Pastor Isaac Oluwadare; Chairman of Isashi-Graceland CDA, Otunba Abiola Onabanjo; and Chairman of Temidire-Seaside CDA, Pastor Pepe Asebiomo, among other community leaders.
Below is the condition of the roads in the community
