Inline with the high rates of devastation and erosion menace nationwide, Hon Minister of works, Engr David Umahi has announced shutdown and total closure of mining sites within a proscribed kilometre radius with immediate effect.
The announcement is to take immediate effect from publication time and to be implemented by relevant Ministries and its affiliate agencies without further delay(s).
Recall that Umudoche community in Nekede Imo state alongside many rural communities have written petitions against humongous disaster and erosion menace in their neighborhoods. This is as a result of illegal mining of sand and in some places gravel from rivers and rural streams inappropriate by law. Many operators are non licenced and Tipper operators Union are recalcitrant to obedience of laws of Federation governing approved mining.
On this therefore the Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on mining activities within a 10 kilometre radius of all bridges, citing serious safety and structural concerns.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed the decision, explaining that unregulated mining, particularly sand dredging, poses a significant threat to the stability of bridge foundations and other critical transport infrastructure.
According to Umahi, the policy is aimed at preventing erosion, structural weakening and possible collapse of bridges across the country. He noted that the ban has the approval of the Federal Executive Council and forms part of the government’s broader strategy to safeguard public assets and ensure the safety of road users.
The minister warned that security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban strictly, adding that violators will be arrested and prosecuted. Monitoring measures, including patrols around major bridges, will be intensified to ensure full compliance.
Umahi also revealed that the government is complementing the ban with additional safety initiatives such as the installation of CCTV cameras, solar powered lighting and other surveillance infrastructure on key bridges and federal highways.
He stressed that protecting bridges from environmental and human induced damage is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s road network and preventing avoidable disasters.
