Works Minister Donates Speed Boat To NSCDC Lagos Marine Unit To Protect Bridges

 

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command has recently launched a specialized Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure such as the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge.

These bridges are vital for daily commuters in Lagos, serving millions of Nigerians. The unit was established to address the growing challenges of illegal dredging, excavation, and encroachment activities that threaten the structural integrity and safety of these federal assets.

The unit’s operations include robust maritime patrols to monitor and prevent unauthorized activities within a one-kilometer restricted zone around the bridges, which is crucial for their preservation and the safety of the public.

Illegal dredging has been a significant concern around Lagos’s major bridges, as it undermines the foundational structures and poses severe risks to commuters and the environment.

Many dredgers operate without licenses or outside permitted zones, escalating the threats to these infrastructures.

The NSCDC collaborates with various stakeholders, including licensed operators, regulatory agencies, and government officials, to enforce compliance and halt unauthorized activities.

Specific measures include identifying and prosecuting operators who violate safety and environmental regulations, a task that the new maritime unit is well-equipped to handle with the addition of the donated speed boat.

The speed boat donation by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, directly enhances the NSCDC’s maritime capabilities. It enables the agency to expand its surveillance and rapid response efforts in waters surrounding the bridges, deterring illegal dredging and other dangerous activities.

This operational support complements policy directives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General and strengthens enforcement on the waterways. By increasing the ability to patrol effectively, the unit contributes significantly to maintaining the safety, functionality, and longevity of these critical public assets.This initiative also underscores the broader importance of protecting national infrastructure from environmental and security threats.

The Third Mainland Bridge, as well as other federal bridges in Lagos, are key economic lifelines with high commuter traffic. Preventing damage from illegal dredging and encroachment not only preserves these investments but also ensures the continued flow of goods and people vital to the region’s economic health.

The NSCDC’s proactive approach with modern maritime tools and coordinated enforcement signals Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its infrastructure for the benefit of all Nigerians.

According to a statement recently signed by CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer , Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps noted that “Acting on the directive of Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Lagos State Commandant, Keshinro Adedotun, inaugurated the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit, headed by ACC Oloyede Emmanuel Ige, to curb illegal dredging, excavation, encroachment and other threats to critical infrastructure.

“Commandant Adedotun noted that the deployment of the Speed Boat will significantly boost maritime patrols, protect commuters, and improve the Corps’ ability to detect and stop activities that endanger national assets.

“He urged licensed operators and residents to remain compliant with safety regulations, warning that violators will face strict enforcement,”