Dredgers association distances members from bridge damage allegations, urges Minister to differentiate reclamation from industrial dredging

The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has called on the Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, to clearly distinguish between reclamation activities and industrial dredging, following accusations linking dredging operations to the structural issues observed on the Eko and Carter bridges in Lagos.

Rising from an emergency meeting held in Lagos yesterday, the association disagreed with the Minister’s assertion, stating that there is no direct correlation between industrial dredging, as carried out by their members, and the infrastructural integrity of bridges.

In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Mr. Richard Ntan, DAN clarified that industrial dredging, a highly regulated activity essential for maintaining navigable waterways and facilitating the movement of vessels in and out of Lagos, takes place in the creeks and the central areas of the Lagos lagoon, far removed from bridge infrastructure.

The association emphasized that this type of dredging is crucial for the economic development of the city.

“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.

He further explained that industrial dredging adheres to a well-articulated environmental ecosystem, ensuring deeper waterways for large vessels through precise methods and strict supervision to minimize any negative impact.

While defending the practices of its members, DAN called for a thorough investigation into ongoing reclamation dredging activities, particularly those near the Third Mainland Bridge.

The association stressed the importance of identifying the entities involved in reclamation dredging, contrasting them with the known members of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria who engage in industrial dredging.

“We at DAN support the Minister that reclamation dredging activities should not take place near bridges, and it’s important that the Minister finds out the true pictures of those dredging near bridges and also not lump us at the Dredgers Association with such operators,” Mr. Ntan asserted.

DAN acknowledged the validity of the Minister’s concerns regarding infrastructure but strongly objected to its members being grouped with those involved in dredging for reclamation purposes, such as the activities observed around the Third Mainland Bridge.

“We, the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, remain committed to the responsible conduct of dredging activities in Lagos and across Nigeria in full compliance with national regulations to ensure that our operations and activities do not harm the environment or vital national infrastructure,” Mr. Ntan reiterated.

He added that the association shares the Minister’s concerns about preserving Nigeria’s infrastructure and is dedicated to ensuring all dredging operations support the nation’s economic growth while safeguarding critical structures like bridges.