Dredgers Association Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu

By Stella Okocha

The Dredgers Association of Nigeria, DAN, has dissociated itself from a report alleging extortion and harassment against the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, and one Mr. Cardozo.

The report, published on Linda Ikeji’s Blog and other online platforms on October 23, 2026, with title “Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order,” claimed DAN accused the Commissioner of intimidation, impounding of trucks and demand for N500,000 from dredgers and tipper operators.

In a disclaimer signed by its National President, Batare Akpomejero and National Secretary, Richard Ntan, DAN said the publication did not originate from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the Association.

The Association stated that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Alebiosu and Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion, adding that it had no record of alleged impounding of trucks and demand for N500,000.

DAN reaffirmed that its relationship with Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development remains cordial and collaborative.

On matters relating to dredging regulations and interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association said discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.

Consequently, the Association disclaimed the report in its entirety and urged public, Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard publication as statement issued on its behalf.

DAN expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused Lagos State Government, the Commissioner and other officials mentioned.

The Association reaffirmed commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities.