The Lagos State Government has successfully resolved its conflict with the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, with both parties agreeing to collaborate on enhancing and regulating the dredging industry in the state.
The resolution came during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, at his office on Friday.
The meeting was one of several aimed at addressing the growing tensions between the government and the dredgers.
Tensions had escalated following the Supreme Court’s January ruling, which placed control of Nigeria’s waterways under the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). This ruling complicated the relationship between the Lagos State Government and the dredging operators.
In the meeting, Alebiosu stressed the need for cooperation and transparency, calling on dredgers to unite against 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 organize better to address this issue,” he said.
He assured the association that the government would clamp down on impostors and non-compliant operators, stating that it would no longer be “business as usual.”
He also emphasized the importance of ongoing consultations with dredgers to share information and foster alignment.
“We are open to suggestions, support, and advice. It’s important that we all work together to advance government business and keep the industry clean,” Alebiosu added.
The President of the Dredgers Association, Batare Akpomejero, expressed appreciation for the government’s regulatory efforts and committed to cooperating fully.
He also urged the government to provide the necessary support to improve their operations.
The association’s Secretary General, Richard Ntan, echoed this sentiment, calling for firm action against illegal operators and advising the commissioner to ignore influence peddlers. He praised Alebiosu for resolving the longstanding conflict between the government and dredgers.
In her closing remarks, Permanent Secretary Lolade Aina thanked the dredgers for their cooperation and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing their challenges.
She highlighted the mutual dependence of both parties, emphasizing that success in the sector would come through collaboration.
