Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Bayelsa State Government has strongly condemned ongoing illegal mining operations in Brass Local Government Area, warning individuals and companies involved to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law. This follows a field visit by a high-powered state delegation led by the Honourable Commissioner for Community Development, Hon. Alfred Belmote Watson, to an unauthorized mining site along the Brass Island coastline.
The visit was prompted by credible reports that black sand was being secretly harvested at Die-Ama and transported in bags through the Oyakia-Ama shoreline without the knowledge or approval of the Bayelsa State Government. The operation, carried out under the cover of isolation and without any regulatory oversight, has raised concerns due to the mineral-rich nature of black sand in the Niger Delta’s sedimentary terrain. Experts note that Brass Island’s coastal geology is likely rich in high-value heavy minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, magnetite, zircon, as well as rare earth materials including gold and precious stones—all of which have enormous economic potential.
Earlier this week, the State Government had already sounded the alarm on such illegal activities. On December 3, 2025, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, publicly condemned the rising trend of unauthorized mining and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between communities and private firms without due process. She warned that bypassing state regulations would not be tolerated, stressing that such actions can trigger severe legal and economic consequences for the communities involved.
Speaking after assessing the illegal site, Hon. Watson expressed deep disappointment, calling the activity a reckless and disrespectful breach of trust by individuals and companies that “do not mean well for Bayelsa State.” He criticized these groups for deliberately circumventing legitimate processes, exploiting vulnerable communities, and siphoning off the state’s natural wealth under false pretenses. According to him, the Prosperity Administration is determined to protect Bayelsa’s mineral resources and ensure that every part of the state benefits from responsible development.
Watson urged community leaders across the state to refrain from entering into unauthorized agreements with external investors and to always seek the government’s guidance before signing any MoU. He emphasized that the Diri-led administration has put in place clear procedures for mineral-related activities, and any violation of these procedures would attract penalties. He reminded residents that the state government maintains their best interests and is committed to ensuring equitable development across Bayelsa’s communities.
Encouraging collective responsibility, the Commissioner called on stakeholders to support the state’s drive toward sustainable growth, stressing that Bayelsa’s progress is a shared mission. He reiterated that working in harmony with the government is essential to safeguarding the environment and protecting the state’s mineral endowments from exploitation.
The inspection delegation included senior government officials and security agencies: Mr. Ngobiowei Awokeigha, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security; representatives of the Nigerian Navy, Immigration Service, NSCDC, and DSS; Engr. Jeremiah Elijah, Head of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Mineral Resources; officials of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue; Die-Ama community leaders; youth representatives; and members of the Brass Local Government legislative arm.
The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to clamp down on all illegal mining activities, ensure strict compliance with regulatory frameworks, and protect the state’s natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
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