By Seun Ibiyemi
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has disowned a report alleging extortion, harassment and intimidation of dredgers and tipper operators in Lagos State, insisting that the publication was not authorised by its national leadership.
The association made the clarification in a disclaimer following a report published by Linda Ikeji’s Blog and other online platforms on October 23, 2026, titled “Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order.”
In the disclaimer signed by its National President, Batare Akpomejero, and National Secretary, Richard Ntan, DAN said the publication did not originate from its national leadership or any authorised organ of the association.
The association stressed that it neither authorised nor issued any petition or press release accusing the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, and Mr Cardozo of harassing, intimidating or extorting dredgers and tipper operators.
DAN also denied having any record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000, which featured in the report, describing the claims as unrelated to any authorised communication from the association.
The disclaimer, according to the association, was issued to clarify its position and prevent the public from attributing the allegations to its leadership.
The association reaffirmed its relationship with the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing its engagement with the administration and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
It said discussions concerning dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments relating to shoreline authority were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels.
According to DAN, the issues were being addressed through dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities rather than through public confrontations in the media.
The association maintained that constructive engagement remained the appropriate approach to resolving regulatory questions affecting dredging operations and other activities within the sector.
The clarification comes amid the importance of regulatory coordination between government authorities and operators in the dredging industry, particularly on matters involving waterfront development, shoreline management and the movement of dredging materials.
DAN called on the public, the Lagos State Government, Commissioner Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the report as a statement issued on behalf of the association.
It also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication might have caused the state government, the commissioner and other officials mentioned.
The association emphasised that its official position should not be confused with unauthorised statements or publications attributed to it.
Reaffirming its commitment to the development of Nigeria’s dredging industry, DAN said it would continue to promote lawful, sustainable and collaborative operations across the country.
It added that constructive engagement with government institutions and other stakeholders remained central to addressing industry concerns and strengthening compliance with applicable regulations.
The association’s disclaimer seeks to distance its national leadership from the allegations contained in the online report and reaffirm its preference for institutional dialogue in resolving issues affecting dredging activities in Lagos State.
