Delta State Governor, Right Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori has directed the State Ministry of Environment to ensure Mandatory registration of dredging sites and submission of Environmental Impact Assessment to the Ministry within One Week.
The Delta State Commissioner For Environment Mr Jamani Ejiro disclosed this during a broadcast to address the devastating impact of dredging activities in Delta State.
The Environment Commissioner Mr Jamani Ejiro also disclosed that Governor Oborevwori has directed the Ministry to immediately shut down dredging sites operating without valid E.I.A, .
He said a ban has been placed on dredging activities near Bridges and other critical infrastructure across the State, as well as in residential areas to protect the Health and Safety of the People.
The Environment Commissioner added that a ban has also been placed on haulage of wet sand or sand transported without cover by tippers in Delta State.
He added that the Ministry has set up a special compliance monitoring team to ensure strict enforcement of the Governor’s directive beginning from Monday 13th January, 2025, even as he sued for the corporation of traditional rulers, Presidents General , Youth Leaders, the NIgeria Police and other Security agencies to support Government in ridding the State of illegal dredging activities.
The Environment Commissioner who maintained that Government is not against legitimate business activities insisted that all operations must be conducted responsibly in compliance with the laws guiding Delta State.
He explained that the reckless and unregulated dredging activities across the State have become a significant source of Environmental degradation, threat to lives , livelihood, integrity of critical infrastructure and Sustainability of the Ecosystem.
Mr Ejiro added that despite the provisions of the Delta State Ecology Law 2006 which regulates dredging and other related activities many operators continue to float the regulations with impunity, harping that such disregard for the law and the Environment will no longer be tolerated.
The Environment Commissioner, urged dredging operators and owners to comply with the directive promptly.
