The Federal Government has announced a ban on sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of the River Niger to protect the First and Second Niger Bridges.
The Minister for Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Friday in Asaba during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Centre.
Umahi said the decision was approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of a broader strategy to safeguard critical federal infrastructure nationwide.
According to him, unchecked sand mining poses serious structural risks to bridge foundations and must be halted to ensure long-term safety and durability.
The minister also clarified that tolling on the Second Niger Bridge will not commence until all access and bypass roads on the Anambra and Delta sections are fully completed.
“The tollgate is ready, but we will not begin tolling until the access roads and bypass roads leading to the bridge are completed,” Umahi said.
He explained that the newly commissioned CCTV monitoring centre is designed to enhance security along the federal highway by eliminating physical security checkpoints on the bridge.
“There will be no checkpoints on the road. Police and other security agencies will operate from the CCTV monitoring centre and provide rapid emergency response within five minutes,” he added.
Umahi directed the Delta State Police Command to ensure strict enforcement of the sand mining ban and to arrest offenders.
Speaking at the event, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, commended the Federal Government for the successful completion of the Second Niger Bridge, highlighting its socio-economic benefits to the region.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Igwe of Obosi, Chidubem Iweka, said the opening of the Second Niger Bridge had eased congestion on the First Niger Bridge and improved traffic flow during and after the yuletide.
Iweka expressed optimism that the installation of CCTV cameras would further boost commuter confidence and enhance safety.
He, however, called on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the remaining access roads to fully optimise the benefits of the bridge.
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