Lagos Safety Commission Intensifies Efforts Against Industrial Risks

Lagos State Safety Commission has intensified efforts to curb industrial risks and entrench a culture of safety.

To this end, the commission has organised a specialised training programme for dredging operators and stakeholders in the state.

The training, held in Ikorodu, brought together key players in the dredging value chain—including operators, safety professionals, regulators, and industry leaders—to discuss 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, including equipment-related accidents, environmental degradation, and occupational hazards, warning that without strict adherence to safety protocols, these risks could undermine both human lives and infrastructure 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, underscoring the need to prioritise safety in the sector.

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 it 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 protecting human and environmental resources.