Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited (DISN) is a marine and waterway solution provider in Nigeria. DISN is a member of the globally recognized DEME Group NV from Belgium. Incorporated in Nigeria in 1991, DISN has impacted positively in infrastructural developments and projects for several departments of the State and Federal Government, and the private sector over the many years. Interestingly, DISN’s activities originated with dredging and land reclamation. However, it has broadened its portfolio over the years with general terminal and port services through its sister company Combined Marine Terminal Operators Nigeria Limited (CMTON Ltd) in response to the port industry’s demand for reliable partnerships that contribute to a sustainable future.
The General Manager of DISN, Björn Dejaegher, speaks exclusively with Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher, Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable
Excerpts:
Tell us about your company?
We have been in Nigeria for a long time. We were incorporated in Nigeria since 1991 and we have had a continuous presence ever since. We began our dredging operations in Lagos State and Rivers State, but over the past 30 years plus, we have successfully completed dredging projects all over Nigeria. We have gone as far east as Cross Rivers State, so, we have been working all over Nigeria’s coastline and river mouths.
Are you handling any project at the moment?
At this very moment, we are working on two projects. One of those projects is situated in Akwa-Ibom State where we are completing a challenging sand search campaign. A second project our parent company is currently working on, is a very impressive and famous one situated in Lagos. In 2010 land reclamation works began at the Eko Atlantic City Project. About 100 million cubic metres of sand is being placed on the shores of Victoria Island to protect Lagos from inundations and coastal erosion as well as meeting the demands of the increasing urbanisation: all thanks to the vision of the Eko Atlantic City project.
What have been the challenges operating in Nigeria?
Let me say that on the overall, Nigeria is a place with growth and progress. But along the way, there are ups and downs. As a place to do business, Nigeria does not come without its substantial level of volatility. This volatility that we encounter from time to time is challenging towards maintaining our annual budgets and maintaining a steady orderbook. Nevertheless, our presence has been continuous and uninterrupted since 1991 which underlines the company’s strong commitment to Nigeria. We welcome the bold steps the current administration and the Central Bank of Nigeria are taking to ease the challenges of doing business in the country, and for the people of Nigeria.
What advice do you have for Nigeria in order to further solidify the working relationship between the country and European companies operating in the country?
A CBL-ACP event like the one we attend this evening at the Residence of the Belgian Embassy in Abuja is a perfect place to network. There is the signing of a MOU for the upcoming Nigeria Belgium Luxemburg Business Forum in September 2024. This provides opportunities for people to meet and discuss business. This is how relationships and connections are built, where we explore options for the future together. So, the best advice I will give to anybody, for both companies and authorities based in Nigeria or in Europe, is to attend the business forum to allow the opportunities to reveal themselves and get to know the right people and organisations.
Would you like to quantify your investments in Nigeria in Naira and dollar?
As a company incorporated in Nigeria our main investments are in our people, our fleet here in Nigeria consisting of dredgers and support vessels, and our operational base in Port Harcourt which is accredited for dockings and repairs. Our committed and well-trained Nigerian personnel, our DISN marine fleet, and our DISN Port Harcourt base ensure we are best positioned to serve our Nigerian business partner’s needs.
Apart from Nigeria, where else are you operating?
As part of DEME Group NV, we are globally active; we are on every single continent. More specifically for the region of West-Africa, we provide maritime solutions from Nigeria to Senegal, as well as the nearby Central African countries from Cameroon to Angola. We look at the future with great confidence, and we are always available to provide the best solutions and operational excellence for our business partners in Nigeria.
