Imo State Government Reaffirms Total Ban on Sand Mining in Owerri Capital Territory
By Anselem Anokwute | Owerri
The Imo State Government has reaffirmed its uncompromising position on the ban of all sand mining and dredging activities within the Owerri Capital Territory, declaring the prohibition absolute, sacrosanct, and non-negotiable.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the government decried the environmental degradation and destruction of critical infrastructure caused by illegal and unregulated sand mining. It warned that such activities will no longer be tolerated.
“No responsible government will stand by while its capital city—built with billions of naira and home to millions of residents and investments—is systematically destroyed. The time for half-measures is over. We must save Owerri now or risk losing her forever. Enough is enough,” the statement read.
The state government, having submitted video and photographic evidence of environmental destruction to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, reaffirmed its total and final ban on all forms of sand mining and dredging within the capital territory. It also pledged strict enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the 2011 Mining Regulations, particularly those protecting public infrastructure, rivers, and communities.
Speaking on the government’s position, the Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Barr. Ernest Ibejiako Nwa-nda, outlined the following measures:
Total prohibition of all sand mining and dredging within Owerri Capital Territory.
Immediate prosecution of defaulters and revocation of all mining licenses issued within the area.
Strict enforcement of environmental protocols—including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP), and Community Development Agreements (CDA)—for any mining activities outside the capital to prevent a recurrence.
He commended the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals for responding swiftly to the state’s concerns by dispatching a high-powered delegation to inspect affected areas.
The commissioner highlighted several critical issues:
Many of the degraded sites were declared unsuitable for dredging as early as 2017.
A previous ban, issued in 2019 by former Minister of State, Dr. Uche Ogar, failed to stop the illegal activities.
The Nworie River, previously a narrow natural stream, has now expanded to dangerous proportions due to indiscriminate dredging.
The devastated areas include,
The Egbeada–Irete Road has collapsed.
The perimeter fence of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education has been compromised, bridges behind the Federal Medical Centre and Alvan Ikoku have been destroyed., Farmlands, power lines, and entire communities face displacement and environmental risk.
Additionally, the unregulated diversion of natural waterways—such as the Nworie/Otamiri and Onuazuru/Onumiri/Amachara river confluences—has worsened flooding, soil erosion, and structural damage within Owerri Metropolis.
According to the commissioner, the State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma, invoking Section 28 of the Land Use Act, 1978, has formally prohibited all forms of mining and dredging in Owerri Capital Territory in the overriding public interest.
The Imo state government has called on the Mining Cadastral Office in Abuja to revoke all mining licenses issued within the capital area.
As part of its submission, the government provided video and photographic documentation of the devastation, describing it as “undeniable proof” of the urgent environmental threat facing the state.
Leader of the federal delegation, Engr. Ganihu Imam a Director in the Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, acknowledged the severity of the situation. He noted that while most dredging sites are on the outskirts of the capital, some are dangerously close to key infrastructure. He pledged to invoke emergency powers to shut down high-risk dredging operations, particularly within Owerri capital
In his reaction, the Imo State Chairman of the Miners and Dredgers Association, Hon. Ugochukwu Onyenwenwa, expressed support for the state government’s decision but blamed some government officials and landowners for enabling illegal mining activities.
Also backing the government’s move, Hon. Dominic Mgbe, Chairman of the Minerals and Mining Association of Nigeria (MINACO) and a former Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals in Imo State, emphasized the need to restore degraded sites and prevent future erosion.
Meanwhile, Engr. Ubong Obo, the Zonal Controller of Environment for the South East, warned of impending legal action against individuals and companies violating environmental laws. He demanded a full list of the culprits and emphasized that Owerri is at serious environmental risk due to unchecked sand dredging.