The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has urged Engineer Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, to make a clear distinction between reclamation activities and industrial dredging to avoid any confusion among Nigerians regarding these two distinct economic activities.
This call was made following an emergency meeting held in Lagos yesterday, where the association deliberated on the controversy sparked by the Minister’s recent comments. Engineer Umahi had accused dredgers of being responsible for the deteriorating condition of the Eko and Carter bridges in Lagos. The Dredgers Association strongly disagreed with this claim, clarifying that dredging activities are not directly linked to the damage observed in these infrastructures.
In a statement issued by the association, Mr. Richard Ntan, the General Secretary of DAN, explained that industrial dredging, conducted by members of the association, is a highly regulated process that occurs in areas within the creeks and the central parts of the Lagos Lagoon, far from critical infrastructure such as bridges. He emphasized that industrial dredging is vital for maintaining navigable waterways and facilitating smooth vessel movement in and out of Lagos, contributing significantly to the city’s economic growth.
“We wish to clarify that industrial dredging carried out by our members is not the cause of the damage observed in these structures,” Mr. Ntan stated. “The process is driven through a well-articulated environmental ecosystem, ensuring deeper waterways for large vessels, and is strictly supervised to minimize any potential negative impact on the environment.”
The association, however, called for a thorough investigation into the ongoing reclamation dredging activities near the Third Mainland Bridge, noting that reclamation dredging, which involves altering landforms, may pose a risk to infrastructure if not managed properly. DAN further emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the two types of dredging, as only members of DAN are involved in industrial dredging activities, and not those engaged in reclamation work.
“We support the Minister’s position that reclamation dredging activities should not take place near bridges,” Mr. Ntan remarked. “It’s essential that the Minister identifies the true operators involved in dredging near bridges and ensures that we, the Dredgers Association, are not wrongly associated with these reclamation activities.”
While acknowledging the Minister’s concerns about the preservation of Nigeria’s infrastructure, the Dredgers Association of Nigeria reiterated its commitment to responsible dredging practices across Lagos and the rest of the country. The association remains dedicated to carrying out all operations in compliance with national regulations, ensuring that their activities do not harm the environment or vital infrastructure such as bridges.
“We are committed to ensuring that all dredging operations are carried out in ways that support the nation’s economic growth while safeguarding critical infrastructures,” Mr. Ntan concluded.
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria continues to advocate for the responsible conduct of dredging activities, which play a crucial role in supporting the nation’s maritime sector and broader economic development.