Summary: The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has called on Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently step in over alleged harassment, intimidation, and extortion of its members — and they’re naming names.
It appears trouble is brewing in the waters of Lagos, and this time, it is not just the Atlantic causing waves.
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN)* has raised a loud alarm, appealing directly to Lagos State Governor **Babajide Sanwo-Olu** to urgently intervene in what they describe as a disturbing pattern of *harassment, intimidation, and alleged extortion targeted at their members.
In a move that signals just how frustrated the association has become, DAN did not mince words — they specifically called on the Governor to call certain officials, including Alebiosu* and *Cardozo, to order.
For a state like Lagos, where dredging activities play a critical role in land reclamation, waterway management, and construction development, any form of operational disruption is not a small matter. Dredgers are, in many ways, part of the backbone of Lagos’ ambitious infrastructure and urban expansion projects — from the Eko Atlantic City to countless other waterfront developments across the state.
“Enough Is Enough” — DAN Takes Its Grievances to the Top
By going directly to the Governor’s office, DAN is sending a clear message: the situation on the ground has reached a point where lower-level interventions are no longer sufficient. The association’s appeal reflects a growing frustration among operators who feel they are being squeezed by those who should ordinarily be protecting their interests.
Nigerians are no strangers to stories of officials allegedly leveraging their positions for personal gain at the expense of hardworking business operators. If the allegations by DAN are anything to go by, it appears that dredgers in Lagos may be facing yet another layer of the same old story — work hard, but still get shaken down.
What Should Sanwo-Olu Do?
Governor Sanwo-Olu has, on several occasions, positioned his administration as one that is pro-business and investor-friendly. His THEMES+ agenda consistently emphasizes economic growth and a conducive environment for commerce. Allowing alleged extortion to fester within agencies under his watch would be a direct contradiction of those stated goals.
DAN’s appeal is therefore not just a cry for help — it is also a test of political will. Will Eko’s governor act swiftly and decisively, or will this become another petition lost in the corridors of Alausa?
The Bigger Picture
The dredging industry in Nigeria is one that operates under significant pressure — from environmental regulations to community relations and government oversight. When you add alleged institutional harassment to that mix, you risk driving away investors and undermining an industry that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s coastal and riverine economy.
As DAN awaits a response from the Governor’s office, one thing is clear: the waters may be deep, but the association’s patience is running shallow.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops. If you have any information or experiences related to this issue, feel free to share in the comments section below.
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