Federal Government has banned sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of River Niger to protect the First and Second Niger Bridges.
Works Minister Mr David Umahi announced the decision Friday during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge CCTV Monitoring Centre in Asaba.
He said the Federal Executive Council approved the ban as part of nationwide efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Tolling on the second bridge remains suspended until Anambra and Delta access roads complete, Umahi stated. “The tollgate is ready but we won’t start until access roads and bypasses finish,” he said, noting security agencies will monitor from the CCTV centre for five-minute emergency responses, eliminating roadside checkpoints.
Umahi directed Delta Police to enforce the mining ban and arrest offenders. Asagba of Asaba, Prof Epiphany Azinge, commended the bridge completion for socio-economic gains, while Anambra Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi, noted reduced traffic on the first bridge and commuter confidence boost from cameras.
