The Lagos State Government has urged the Dredgers Association of Nigeria to collaborate closely with the authorities in addressing the escalating issue of illegal operators on the state’s waterways.
According to The PUNCH, this call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting, chaired by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, on Friday, as the government took decisive steps to resolve ongoing conflicts between the state and the dredgers.
The rising tension between the parties can be traced back to a Supreme Court ruling in January, which affirmed that the Federal Government holds exclusive authority over Nigeria’s inland waterways.
This ruling granted the federal agencies—such as the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Standard and Safety Agency-the power to regulate key activities on the waterways, including shipping, licensing, fee collection, navigation, and dredging.
Alebiosu expressed concerns over the environmental risks and disruptions caused by unlicensed dredging activities, emphasizing their detrimental impact on both the ecosystem and legitimate businesses within the sector.
He urged the association to strengthen its organization to effectively combat illegal operators.
“We have a duty to protect the lagoon, and it’s essential that everything functions properly. We can’t stand by while things deteriorate; we need to act both proactively and reactively. Illegal operators are a threat to your business as well, so you must organise better to address this issue,” Alebiosu stated.
The commissioner further reassured the association that the state government would intensify enforcement efforts against violators, making it clear that any breach of regulations would not be tolerated.
He underscored the importance of establishing open communication channels between the government and the dredging companies to ensure transparency and accountability in the industry.
“We are open to suggestions, support, and advice. It’s important that we all work together to advance the government’s business and keep the industry clean,” he added.
Representatives from the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, including the association’s president, Batare Akpomejero, responded positively to the government’s call.
They expressed their full support for the government’s initiatives and encouraged swift action against the illegal operators disrupting the industry.
The association’s Secretary General, Richard Ntan, echoed these sentiments, urging the commissioner to act firmly and resist any undue influence from vested interests.
In addition, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lolade Aina, reiterated the government’s determination to resolve the pressing challenges within the sector.
She stressed the importance of cooperation between the state and the dredgers to preserve the integrity of the waterways and ensure the sustainable management of resources.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to working together towards a cleaner, more compliant, and well-regulated dredging industry in Lagos State.
