By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Safety Commission has stepped up efforts to curb industrial risks and entrench a culture of safety with the organisation of a specialised training programme for dredging operators and stakeholders across the state.
The training, which was held in Ikorodu, brought together key players in the dredging value chain—including operators, safety professionals, regulators, and industry leaders—to deliberate on emerging risks and best practices in dredging operations.
Declaring the training open, the Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, said the initiative reflects the government’s proactive approach to addressing safety concerns in one of Lagos’ most critical sectors. Represented by the Head of Safety (Safety 2), Engr. Festus Todowede, Mojola noted that the theme, “Navigating Safety in Dredging: Building Lagos on Solid Ground,” spoke on the urgent need for safer operational standards in the industry.
He identified key risks inherent in dredging activities to include equipment-related accidents, environmental degradation, and occupational hazards, warning that without strict adherence to safety protocols, such risks could undermine both human lives and infrastructural investments.
According to him, “continuous training, strict compliance with safety regulations, and the adoption of global best practices are non-negotiable in safeguarding lives, property, and the environment.”
Mojola further explained that the initiative aligns with the broader development agenda of the Lagos State Government, particularly its drive to build a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive megacity. He stressed that dredging remains central to land reclamation, shoreline protection, and infrastructure expansion in Lagos, thereby making safety in the sector a top priority.
In her welcome address, Engr. Adedoyin Odufuwa urged participants to take full advantage of the training, encouraging them to internalise the knowledge shared and cascade same within their respective organisations.
“This training is not just about compliance; it is about changing mindsets and building a safety-first culture that will positively impact the entire dredging ecosystem,” she said.
The technical sessions featured presentations by seasoned safety experts, including Mr. Adeyinka Adebiyi and Mr. Ishola Waheed Adeniran, who provided in-depth insights into occupational safety and health standards, dredging risk assessment, emergency preparedness, safe equipment handling, and environmental protection.
The facilitators emphasised that safety must be embedded as a core operational value rather than treated merely as a regulatory requirement, noting that sustainable industry growth depends largely on the protection of human and environmental resources.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ikorodu Central Local Government, Hon. Abdullateef Ladega, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Yusuf Gbadebo Lawal, commended the Commission for bringing the training to the Ikorodu axis. He described the initiative as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that it would enhance operational standards among dredgers in the area.
Similarly, the President of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Batare Akpomujero, represented by Mr. Olatunde Ogunfeyimi, lauded the Commission for its commitment to capacity building within the sector. He also congratulated participants for seizing the opportunity to improve their professional competence.
The training, supported by the Dredgers Association, Ikorodu Zone, underscored the importance of collaboration between government and industry stakeholders in addressing safety challenges.
Industry observers note that such targeted interventions are vital as Lagos continues to expand its coastal and inland infrastructure, with dredging activities playing a pivotal role in shaping the state’s physical and economic landscape.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Commission pledged to sustain regular training programmes, monitoring, and enforcement initiatives, signalling a zero-tolerance stance on unsafe practices and a renewed push towards achieving accident-free workplaces across all sectors.
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