The Federal Government has ordered an immediate halt to mining activities across Imo State, particularly those operating close to bridges, roads and other critical infrastructure, warning that defaulters will face severe sanctions.
The Federal Controller of the Ministry of Environment in Imo State, Engr. Ubor Ubo, issued the warning while addressing miners in the state, stressing that mining within a 10-kilometre radius of key infrastructure violates federal law and will no longer be tolerated.
Ubo said the directive is backed by Section 119 of the Mining Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act 2024 (Cap 12), which require miners to conduct approved environmental impact assessments and obtain certification from the Ministry of Environment before commencing any form of mining or evacuation.
He warned that enforcement would be strict and uncompromising, adding that operators who fail to comply risk fines, penalties and outright forfeiture of their equipment.
Expressing deep concern over worsening environmental damage and erosion linked to unregulated mining, the Federal Controller announced the immediate shutdown of mining sites beginning with Umudoche, Umuoma and Nekede, with the exercise to be extended to other parts of the state.
According to him, decisive action by the Ministry and its affiliated agencies is critical to supporting the Shared Prosperity Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, in tackling environmental degradation and averting looming ecological disasters caused by illegal mining activities.
Ubo spoke during an inspection and assessment tour of Otamiri Umudoche in Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area, where he directed sand miners to present valid mining licences and approved EIA certificates within seven days or face closure.
He was accompanied by members of the Umudoche Umuoma Nekede Council of Elders, community leaders and other stakeholders, who raised alarm over the extensive damage illegal mining has inflicted on the ecosystem and surrounding communities.
While inspecting sites from the Mmiri Nkwoahia axis to Ama Mmiri Umudoche, the Federal Controller condemned sand mining within stream channels, warning that a culvert at Umuezerokam Nekede—linking Umuoma, Umudibia and the ancient Nekede kingdom—is at serious risk of collapse due to mounting erosion pressure.
He called for urgent remedial construction works to prevent structural failure, noting that dredging and mining activities in the area have already led to severe erosion, collapsed buildings and widespread property damage.
Ubo further revealed that all miners currently operating in Umudoche, Umuoma Nekede and neighbouring communities are doing so illegally, as previously issued licences have been withdrawn by the Federal Government pending a comprehensive review.
He warned that mining activities must cease immediately, adding that some licences were revoked due to irregularities and unethical practices uncovered during inspections.
“Letters will be issued to all miners to shut down their sites and report to the Ministry of Environment for documentation, verification and full compliance, especially regarding environmental impact assessment approvals,” he said.
