The Federal Government has banned sand mining on River Niger to protect the two bridges along the West African longest river.

The First and Second Niger Bridges are the two flyovers that connect the South-East and the rest of the country.

The Second Niger Bridge or the Second Onitsha Bridge was inaugurated in 2023 to ease the pressure on the first one and provide a more modern and durable structure.

The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi disclosed this on Friday 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.

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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 Delta State police command to ensure implementation of the ban by arresting offenders.

 

 

 

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