DAN Distance Self From Negative Allegations
By Sherif Salau
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a publication alleging harassment, intimidation and extortion of dredgers and tipper operators by Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu.
The association’s national leadership issued a formal disclaimer after a report, circulated on several platforms including Linda Ikeji’s Blog on 23 October 2026, claimed that DAN had petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over alleged extortion and harassment of dredgers and tipper operators. The article specifically named Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, popularly known as Dayo Bush Alebiosu, and an individual identified as Cardozo (or Cardoso in some versions), alleging the impounding of trucks and demands for payments of ₦500,000.
DAN’s National President, Batare Akpomejero, and National Secretary, Richard Ntan, signed a statement making clear that the association neither authorised nor issued any such petition or press release. The body stated it had no record of the alleged incidents and completely dissociated itself from the claims. “The publication did not originate from its national leadership or any authorised organ of the association,” the disclaimer emphasised.
The association went further, describing its relationship with the Lagos State Government under Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative. It noted that discussions around dredging regulations and related matters, including interpretations of Supreme Court judgments on shoreline authority, continue through proper institutional channels rather than media confrontations.
DAN expressed regret for any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the report may have caused the state government, the commissioner and other officials mentioned. It urged the public, the Lagos State Government, Alebiosu and stakeholders to disregard the publication entirely.
The swift and unequivocal response from the association appears designed to close the chapter on what it views as an unauthorised and inaccurate account. In a sector where regulatory enforcement around illegal dredging, land reclamation and shoreline protection has often generated friction, the clarification reinforces the official narrative of constructive engagement between operators and the ministry.
Commissioner Alebiosu has, in recent months, been associated with a firmer enforcement posture aimed at curbing unauthorised activities along Lagos waterfronts. The ministry has repeatedly stressed adherence to due process and the protection of legitimate operators while clamping down on illegal operations. DAN’s statement aligns with that broader picture of ongoing dialogue rather than open confrontation.
As of the latest available information, neither the Lagos State Government nor the commissioner has issued a separate detailed public response beyond the association’s disclaimer. The episode serves as a reminder of how quickly unverified reports can circulate in the digital space, and of the value of prompt, authoritative clarification from the bodies purportedly speaking.
