Posted on August 4, 2025
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has taken a significant step toward regulating sand dredging activities in Lagos, approving measures aimed at protecting federal infrastructure from the adverse effects of unregulated mining near bridges and waterways.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, which was chaired by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the minister, the Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to prepare an Executive Order specifically targeting sand dredging operations within the Lagos region.
“This Executive Order is being developed to address concerns around unregulated dredging activities in Lagos, particularly in areas close to federal assets like bridges,” Idris stated.
He recalled that in 2023, the Council had approved restrictions on sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of federal bridges nationwide, noting that such activities pose risks to structural integrity and public safety.
“This new directive is a continuation of that policy. It is now focusing on Lagos for the time being. Other parts of the country will be considered in due course,” the minister added.
Once finalized by the Attorney-General, the draft Executive Order will be presented to President Tinubu for assent.
