Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Tension mounted at the premises of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday as more than 1,000 members of the Sand Miners and Tipper Drivers Associations staged a mass protest over alleged extortion and intimidation by the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade and the Chairman of the state Solid Mineral Development Committee, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu.
The demonstrators, who converged on the NIWA area office, carried placards bearing messages including “OCHA brigade should stop sealing our beaches” and “We are licensed miners, not illegal operators.” The protest, described by witnesses as orderly but charged, followed weeks of mounting grievances among operators who say their businesses have been disrupted despite holding valid licenses.
According to the protesters, members engaged in sand mining along the River Niger have been subjected to repeated harassment, with equipment allegedly seized and operational sites sealed by the OCHA Brigade. They contend that these enforcement actions have resulted in significant financial losses and uncertainty within the sector, which supports hundreds of livelihoods across Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Oyi and Ogbaru local government areas.
Sir Chris Mbaegbu, President of the Sand Miners Association, addressed the gathering and accused the OCHA Brigade of undermining legitimate businesses that contribute to the state’s internally generated revenue. He stated that members recognize their host communities and pay required dues to local government authorities, yet continue to face clampdowns that he described as excessive and unjustified. He appealed directly to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and convene an urgent meeting to harmonize revenue remittance processes and end what he termed intimidation of licensed operators.
The miners argue that their operations fall within areas under the regulatory authority of NIWA, which oversees inland waterways and associated rights of way under its establishing Act. They maintain that their licenses were lawfully granted and that their activities comply with federal regulatory provisions governing inland water transport corridors and associated commercial activities.
Responding to the protesters, NIWA Area Manager for Onitsha, Sir Victor Nwokocha, commended the demonstrators for maintaining a peaceful approach. He assured them that their grievances would be formally communicated to Governor Soludo through the appropriate channels at NIWA headquarters. Nwokocha emphasized that the authority had issued operational licenses to the miners within its designated Right of Way and that those approvals were grounded in statutory provisions.
The protest, however, drew a firm rebuttal from the leadership of the OCHA Brigade. Chief Celestine Anaere, Chief Executive Officer of the enforcement agency, denied allegations of extortion and intimidation. He stated that the brigade’s operations were not directed at licensed mining activities but rather at addressing environmental and infrastructural concerns linked to indiscriminate sand dumping and mud spillage by tipper drivers on public roads. According to Anaere, such practices have damaged road infrastructure and created hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
The OCHA Brigade was established by the Anambra State Government as part of broader environmental sanitation and urban order initiatives. Its mandate includes enforcing regulations related to cleanliness, public health, and environmental standards. The agency’s actions in recent months have sparked debate among operators in sectors affected by its enforcement activities, particularly those whose businesses intersect with construction and mining logistics.
The dispute highlights broader regulatory tensions between federal and state oversight in resource-related activities. While NIWA exercises authority over inland waterways and certain operational corridors, state governments maintain jurisdiction over environmental protection, land use management, and aspects of mineral resource administration within their territories. The overlap can create friction when enforcement priorities differ or when communication between agencies breaks down.
Industry stakeholders say the sand mining sector plays a critical role in supplying raw materials for construction projects in Onitsha and surrounding communities. Disruptions to operations can affect building costs, project timelines and employment for truck drivers, equipment operators and laborers. At the same time, environmental experts note that unregulated sand extraction and improper waste handling can contribute to erosion, flooding and infrastructure degradation if not properly managed.
Observers describe the protest as a signal of escalating frustration among operators who feel caught between regulatory bodies. They argue that structured dialogue involving the state government, NIWA, miners’ associations and enforcement agencies may be necessary to clarify operational boundaries and prevent further disruption.
As of Thursday evening, there were no reports of violence or arrests linked to the protest. Business activities around the NIWA office gradually resumed after the demonstrators dispersed. However, association leaders indicated that further action could follow if their concerns are not addressed through formal engagement with state authorities.
The unfolding situation underscores the delicate balance between environmental enforcement and economic activity in rapidly growing urban centers like Onitsha. Whether through negotiation or policy clarification, stakeholders appear to face increasing pressure to establish a coordinated framework that ensures compliance while safeguarding livelihoods.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments