The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has donated a speed boat to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, to strengthen surveillance and protection of the Third Mainland Bridge and other federal bridges across the state.
The Lagos Command deployed the asset on Thursday after launching its newly established Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit, created to combat illegal dredging, excavation, encroachment and other activities threatening critical national infrastructure.
Speaking at the commissioning, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, said the gesture from the Minister of Works aligns with ongoing national directives to reinforce security around key assets.
According to him, the deployment follows the Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar’s directive for all NSCDC formations to implement resolutions reached at a security meeting convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), involving agencies such as the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Federal Ministry of Works.
“The donation of this speed boat by the minister is a morale booster for our officers who have been working tirelessly to dislodge the activities of unscrupulous elements under the bridges,” Abolurin said.
He added that the new unit will enhance marine patrols and ensure strict compliance with laws guiding dredging and waterway activities, especially around sensitive infrastructure.
The Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Keshinro Adedotun, who commissioned the speed boat, expressed gratitude to Umahi for his continued support, and also acknowledged the contributions of former Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr. (Mrs.) O.I. Kesha, for facilitating critical logistical support to the Corps.
During the ceremony, Adedotun inaugurated the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit and introduced its commander, Assistant Commandant of Corps Oloyede Ige.
Ige expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to intensify monitoring and patrol operations to safeguard all federal bridge infrastructure in Lagos.
Abolurin emphasized that the speed boat will significantly curb illegal and unauthorized dredging activities, which he noted can compromise bridge foundations and pose serious risks to public safety.
Addressing journalists, the Lagos Commandant warned licensed dredgers to remain compliant with regulatory standards and cautioned illegal operators to desist or face prosecution.
