By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has banned sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of the River Niger to safeguard the first and second Niger bridges.
The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, announced the decision on Friday in Asaba, Delta State, during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Centre.
He said the ban was approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of measures to protect critical federal infrastructure nationwide.
Umahi also stated that tolling on the Second Niger Bridge would not commence until all access and bypass roads on the Anambra and Delta sections are completed.
He explained that the newly inaugurated CCTV monitoring centre would enhance security along the highway, noting that security agencies would operate from the centre rather than mounting checkpoints on the road.
According to him, this arrangement would allow for rapid response to emergencies within five minutes.
“The tollgate is ready, but we will not begin tolling until the access and bypass roads leading to the bridge are completed,” the minister said.
Umahi directed the Delta State Police Command to
enforce the sand mining ban and arrest violators.
In separate remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, praised the Federal Government for completing the Second Niger Bridge, highlighting its socio-economic benefits.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers and Igwe of Obosi, Chidubem Iweka, said the bridge has eased traffic congestion on the first Niger Bridge, particularly during the festive period.
Iweka added that the installation of security cameras would boost commuters’ confidence and called for the speedy completion of the access roads to the bridge.
