The Federal Government has banned all mining activities within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges across Nigeria. The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the directive aims to protect bridges and improve road safety.
Bridges are key national infrastructure. Their collapse or damage can disrupt transport, trade and safety. Mining near bridge foundations can weaken soil and support structures. In response, the government reviewed safety measures nationwide.
Senator Umahi announced the ban at a press briefing in Enugu over the weekend. He said the directive is aligned with decisions of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The ban covers all forms of mining within 10km of any bridge in the country.
Umahi said the ban is to help curb destruction of roads and bridges and to improve public safety.
The minister said enforcement will be strengthened through patrol boats and support to security agencies. He said the Federal Government will deploy monitoring boats along bridge corridors. Two patrol vehicles will be provided to the Nigeria Police Force for highway surveillance. The ministry will fund ₦3 million monthly for vehicle maintenance.
Beyond mining restrictions, Umahi said the government will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and solar-powered lighting on bridges and federal highways. CCTV systems have already been commissioned on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos and the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha.
He said the ₦480 million CCTV project at the Third Mainland Bridge forms part of measures to improve surveillance and road security.
Umahi also updated the public on major road works in the South-East. He cited progress on the 48-kilometre Asaba Heartland Road rehabilitation project valued at ₦48 billion, noting reinforced concrete pavement and improved drainage.
He said the 17.5-kilometre bypass project, handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC), has received 30 per cent payment of its ₦179 billion contract. The ministry aims for 50 per cent commissioning by April 20.
Why This Matters
Public safety: Mining ban reduces risk of structural damage to bridges.
Infrastructure protection: CCTV and lighting upgrades help deter sabotage and crime.
Transport reliability: Stronger bridges support trade and movement across states.
The mining ban within 10km of bridges is part of wider government efforts to protect national infrastructure and improve road safety. Implementation through security patrols and surveillance systems is ongoing. The Federal Government continues to monitor compliance and support enforcement.
