Federal Government Prohibits Sand Mining Near River Niger Bridges

The Federal Government has officially prohibited sand mining activities within a 10-kilometer radius of the River Niger. This action is aimed at protecting the first and second Niger bridges.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras Monitoring Centre in Asaba on Friday, January 16.

He indicated that this decision was reached by the Federal Executive Council as part of broader efforts to safeguard essential federal infrastructure nationwide.

Umahi noted that the tolling on the second Niger bridge will only commence once all access roads in the Anambra and Delta areas are fully completed.

He further emphasized that the CCTV monitoring centre is intended to ensure sufficient security along the federal highway.

“The tollgate is prepared, but we will not initiate tolling on the road until the access roads and detours leading to the bridge are finalized.

“The goal is to eliminate security checkpoints on the road; police and other security personnel will be stationed at the CCTV monitoring centre to facilitate rapid responses to emergencies within five minutes,” he stated.

Umahi has instructed the Delta State police command to enforce the ban and detain violators.