By Our Correspondent

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on mining activities within a 10 kilometre radius of all bridges, citing serious safety and structural concerns.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed the decision, explaining that unregulated mining, particularly sand dredging, poses a significant threat to the stability of bridge foundations and other critical transport infrastructure.

According to Umahi, the policy is aimed at preventing erosion, structural weakening and possible collapse of bridges across the country. He noted that the ban has the approval of the Federal Executive Council and forms part of the government’s broader strategy to safeguard public assets and ensure the safety of road users.

The minister warned that security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban strictly, adding that violators will be arrested and prosecuted. Monitoring measures, including patrols around major bridges, will be intensified to ensure full compliance.

Umahi also revealed that the government is complementing the ban with additional safety initiatives such as the installation of CCTV cameras, solar powered lighting and other surveillance infrastructure on key bridges and federal highways.

He stressed that protecting bridges from environmental and human induced damage is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s road network and preventing avoidable disasters.