Dredgers disown extortion allegation against Lagos Commissioner, says report is fake

 

Maureen Aguta

The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has disowned a media report alleging extortion, harassment and intimidation of dredgers and tipper operators by the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, and a person identified as Cardozo.

 

The association, in a disclaimer dated October 23, 2026, said the report, published by Linda Ikeji’s Blog and other online platforms under the headline “Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order,” did not emanate from its national leadership or any authorised organ.

 

DAN, through its National President, Batare Akpomejero, and National Secretary, Richard Ntan, stated that it neither authorised nor issued any petition or press release accusing Alebiosu and Cardozo of extorting, harassing or intimidating dredgers and tipper operators.

 

The association also distanced itself from claims that trucks belonging to operators had been impounded and that their owners were allegedly asked to pay ₦500,000 for their release.

 

It said it had no record of the alleged incident and urged the public and relevant stakeholders not to attribute the claims to the association.

 

Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.

 

The association stressed that its interactions with the state government had been guided by dialogue, institutional engagement and a shared interest in promoting orderly and sustainable dredging operations.

On issues surrounding dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments relating to shoreline authority, DAN said discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels.

 

It explained that engagements with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than media confrontations, remained its preferred approach to resolving regulatory and operational concerns affecting the industry.

 

Consequently, the association formally disclaimed the publication in its entirety, calling on the Lagos State Government, Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the report as an authorised statement of its position.

 

DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication might have caused the state government, the commissioner and other officials mentioned.

 

Reiterating its commitment to responsible industry practices, the association said it would continue to promote lawful and sustainable dredging operations across Nigeria while maintaining constructive relationships with government agencies and other stakeholders.

 

The disclaimer did not independently establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations contained in the publication.