The Federal Government has placed a ban on sand mining around the River Niger to protect the First and Second Niger bridges, following concerns over the safety of the structures.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the opening of the CCTV monitoring centre for the Second Niger Bridge in Asaba, Delta State.
The ban covers a 10 kilometre radius around the bridge area and was approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of steps to secure key federal assets across the country.
Umahi directed the Delta State Police Command to enforce the order and arrest anyone found violating it, warning that continued mining could weaken the foundation of the bridges.
He also said tolling on the Second Niger Bridge will only begin after all access and bypass roads on both the Anambra and Delta sides are completed, while traditional rulers at the event praised the bridge for easing traffic and improving movement, especially during peak travel periods.
