By Ola ’Kiya, Reporting
THE Honourable Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, has donated a speedboat to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen the protection of the Third Mainland Bridge and other federal bridges across the state.
The donation, described as a gesture of “magnanimity and unwavering commitment” by the Minister, is aimed at boosting the capacity of the NSCDC Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit in monitoring waterways and curbing activities that threaten critical national infrastructure.
The Lagos Command, on Thursday, 20th November 2025, immediately implemented the directive of the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to adopt resolutions from a recent Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) meeting.
The resolutions emphasised collaboration between security agencies and stakeholders such as the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Federal Ministry of Works in safeguarding key facilities.
Lagos State Commandant, Mr Keshinro Adedotun, who officially commissioned the speedboat, expressed gratitude to Minister Umahi for the support, describing the donation as a “morale booster” for personnel actively combating illegal activities beneath Lagos bridges.
He also commended the former Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engineer (Mrs) O.I. Kesha, for her consistent efforts in ensuring that the Corps received essential logistical support for protecting the integrity of the Third Mainland Bridge and other federal bridge structures.
During the event, the Commandant inaugurated the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit and appointed Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Oloyede Emmanuel Ige as its pioneer commander.
ACC Ige, in his remarks, thanked the Minister, the Commandant-General and the Lagos State Commandant for the opportunity to lead the new unit.
He pledged to strengthen surveillance and patrol operations to prevent illegal dredging, excavation, and encroachment under bridges.
The NSCDC noted that the new Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit will enhance security around critical infrastructure, helping to safeguard bridges from vandalism and structural threats.
The speedboat, it added, would play a key role in curbing unauthorised dredging activities that could compromise bridge foundations and harm both the state and national economy.
Addressing journalists, the Lagos State Commandant urged licensed dredgers to comply strictly with regulations governing their operations.
He issued stern warnings to those involved in illegal dredging, encroachment and excavation, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The statement was signed by SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command.
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