Government bans sand mining within 10-kilometre radius of River Niger

Saturday, January 17, 2026 - The Federal Government has banned the mining of sand within a 10 kilometer radius of River Niger. 

This id aimed at protecting the first and second Niger bridges. 

The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi disclosed this on Friday, Jan. 16, in Asaba, during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras Monitoring Centre. 

He said the decision was taken by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to protect critical federal infrastructure across the country. 

According to him, tolling on the second Niger bridge will not begin until all access roads at Anambra and Delta sections are completed. 

He added that the CCTV monitoring centre was to ensure adequate security along the federal highway. 

“The tollgate is ready but we won’t start tolling on the road until we complete the access roads and bypass roads that lead to bridge. 

“The idea is that there will be no security checkpoints on the road, police and other security agencies will be at the CCTV monitoring centre and provide rapid response to emergencies within five minutes,” he added. 

Umahi directed the Police command in Delta to ensure implementation of the ban as well as arresting offenders.