Imo Bans Mining, Dredging In Owerri

Imo State Government Enforces Total Ban on Mining and Dredging in Owerri

In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding the environment and infrastructure of the state capital, the Imo State Government has declared an immediate and comprehensive ban on all forms of mining and dredging activities within the Owerri Capital Territory.

This landmark directive, issued under the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, marks a turning point in the state's environmental policy and reflects a growing urgency to address the consequences of unchecked resource exploitation.

The ban was formally announced during a press conference held at the State Secretariat in Owerri, where the Commissioner for Mines, Solid Minerals and Industry, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sir Ernest Ifeanyi Ibejiako, emphasized the government's zero-tolerance stance. He described the environmental degradation caused by illegal sand mining and dredging as a direct assault on Imo’s natural resources and public infrastructure. 

According to Commissioner Ibejiako, the government has amassed incontrovertible evidence, including video footage and photographs, documenting the extensive damage inflicted on rivers, roads, and communities across the capital territory.

Governor Uzodimma’s administration has taken the extraordinary step of notifying federal authorities and demanding the revocation of all mining licenses issued within the Owerri Capital Territory. This bold action signals the state’s intent to override any federal licensing arrangements that conflict with its urgent environmental preservation goals. 

The government insists that no mining or dredging activity will be tolerated within the capital zone, regardless of prior authorizations.

To ensure strict compliance, the Imo State Government has dispatched monitoring teams and warned that violators will face immediate arrest, prosecution, and the impoundment of equipment. The enforcement will be carried out under the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and the 2011 Regulations, which mandate the protection of public infrastructure and host communities.

While the ban is absolute within Owerri, the government has expressed willingness to support responsible mining activities outside the capital territory. 

However, such operations must adhere to rigorous environmental protocols, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental Management Plans (EMP), Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRP), and Community Development Agreements (CDA). These measures are designed to prevent future violations and ensure sustainable development across the state.

Commissioner Ibejiako concluded with a firm declaration: “Enough is enough.” He reminded stakeholders that many of the degraded sites had already been classified as “not dredgeable” as far back as 2017, underscoring the long-standing awareness of the risks involved.

This sweeping ban is part of Governor Uzodimma’s broader Shared Prosperity agenda, which prioritizes environmental stewardship, infrastructural integrity, and the long-term well-being of Imo State residents.

As enforcement begins, the government’s resolve appears unshakable, setting a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges.