Bayelsa To Establish Waterways Agency, Warns Against Illegal Black Sand Mining
Bayelsa State Government has announced plans to establish a waterways regulatory agency following the Supreme Court judgment affirming the state’s authority over activities conducted on its waterways.
Governor Douye Diri disclosed this during the 189th meeting of the State Executive Council at the Government House, Yenagoa, where he said the move was aimed at regulating activities that contribute to erosion, environmental degradation and other ecological challenges.
Diri said Bayelsa, alongside Lagos State, successfully challenged the Federal Government at the Supreme Court over the management and control of above-surface activities on their waterways, resulting in a landmark judgment in favour of the states.
He explained that the state Attorney-General had been directed to study the judgment and develop the legal framework required for the establishment of the waterways agency.
According to him, the agency would regulate activities such as the transportation and extraction of black sand and other natural resources within the state’s waterways.
The governor warned against illegal and unregulated black sand mining, stressing that while his administration supports youth empowerment and job creation, economic activities must be carried out within the bounds of the law and in a sustainable manner.
Diri expressed concern that uncontrolled mining activities could worsen environmental challenges already experienced in the state due to decades of oil and gas exploration.
“We are already suffering from the effects of oil and gas exploitation, environmental pollution, degradation and the loss of aquatic resources. We do not want a repeat of that experience through unregulated mining of black sand,” he said.
The governor alleged that some operators, including foreign nationals, had been extracting and transporting black sand from coastal areas and waterways without proper approval or certification from relevant authorities.
He directed the state Ministry of Environment to engage mining operators and explore ways to ensure that resources extracted from Bayelsa contribute more value to the local economy rather than being exported as raw materials.
Diri added that the government would support the proposed regulatory framework with legislation, noting that a bill would be presented to the State House of Assembly to provide legal backing for the management of the state’s waterways.
He urged residents, particularly youths, to seek proper information on government policies and avoid misinformation, assuring them that the administration’s goal was to ensure Bayelsa’s natural resources become a source of sustainable development.
The governor also directed the commissioners for Information, Orientation and Strategy and Environment to intensify public awareness on the government’s position regarding black sand mining and environmental protection.
On electricity supply challenges in the state, Diri appealed for patience from residents, explaining that ongoing infrastructure upgrades and recent gas supply disruptions had affected power distribution under the state’s independent power project.
