The Federal Government has imposed a nationwide ban on all mining activities within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges, citing concerns over infrastructure damage and public safety.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the directive at the weekend in Enugu while briefing journalists after inspecting ongoing federal road projects in the South-East. He explained that the decision was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and is aimed at protecting bridges and adjoining road infrastructure from structural failure.
Umahi said the restriction would be strictly enforced, adding that the government would deploy patrol boats around bridge corridors and strengthen security surveillance to ensure compliance.
As part of the enforcement strategy, the ministry will provide two patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police for highway monitoring, alongside a monthly maintenance support of N3 million. Monitoring boats will also be stationed around strategic bridges to prevent illegal activities.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to safer highways, the minister disclosed that the installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights would be expanded beyond bridges to cover federal highways across the country.
“We have already commissioned CCTV installations on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos and the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha. The same security infrastructure, including solar lighting and surveillance cameras, will be extended to all federal highways,” Umahi said.
He revealed that the CCTV project on the Third Mainland Bridge alone cost N480 million and is part of a broader effort to enhance road security and monitoring nationwide.
The minister also provided updates on major road projects in the South-East, highlighting progress on the 48-kilometre Asaba Heartland Road rehabilitation, valued at N48 billion. According to him, the project features reinforced concrete pavement and extensive drainage systems.
“Mr President approved an intervention fund of about N50 billion, which has been paid to the contractor. Although we expressed concern about the slow pace of work, we are satisfied with the quality. The contractor has now been directed to work round the clock, including night shifts,” he said.
Umahi confirmed that the 17.5-kilometre bypass project being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) is valued at N179 billion, with 30 per cent of the contract sum already disbursed. He stated that the ministry plans to have at least 50 per cent of the project ready for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu on April 20.
He further explained that the project involves MTM, Nigercat and RCC, with the first phase expected to be completed by April 28. Installation of solar lighting is currently ongoing, with the first five kilometres scheduled for completion within two weeks.
However, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with delays and weak supervision by CCCC on the Second Niger Bridge Bypass section. He said the ministry would issue a formal notice to the contractor, copied to the financing bank, demanding significant improvement within 60 days or risk contractual sanctions.
Umahi added that CCCC has completed 61 kilometres of the Enugu–Port Harcourt highway and is working to finalise additional sections.
He also issued a stern warning against unnecessary road rework, stressing that existing asphalt must no longer be removed without justification.
“No place in the country should asphalt be removed from our roads again,” he said.
According to him, all future road designs must incorporate concrete shoulders and stone base with cement stabilisation to ensure durability and prevent early road failure.
FG Bans Mining Activities Near Bridges, Moves to Boost Road Safety Nationwide
