An Executive Order to ban sand dredging within 10-kilometre radius of bridges in Lagos in Lagos is underway, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris hinted yesterday.

The minister spoke on a day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation from the Ministry of Works to the Presidency.

Idri said the Federal Government took steps at yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to safeguard vital infrastructure and enhance administrative coordination.

He spoke with reporters at the State House after the FEC meeting, which was chaired by the President.

Idris disclosed that the Council has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to prepare an executive order to prohibit sand dredging within a 10-kilometre radius of federal bridges in the Lagos area.

“There is also an approval by FEC that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice should come up with an executive order, specifically now for the Lagos area, relating to the dredging of sand,” the Minister said.

The minister said that in 2023, the Council approved safety measures for sand mining operations around bridges to prevent structural damage to federal infrastructure.

Idris said: “Recall that last year, the Federal Executive Council approved that within a 10-kilometre radius, those who are mining sand or dredging close to bridges must tread with caution, so that they don’t destroy our bridges and federal government assets around them.”

However, the minister explained that the new executive order would provide legal backing specifically for enforcement within Lagos, which has witnessed extensive sand dredging activity near key bridges.

“For now, an executive order has been sought. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will bring forward an executive order for Mr. President’s assent, relating only to the Lagos area,” he explained.

He noted that additional regulations for other parts of the country will be developed in due course.

The minister said the directive on the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) from the Works Ministry to the Presidency, is aimed at streamlining geospatial data management and ensuring more direct oversight for national mapping and land administration priorities.

The minister did not elaborate on the rationale behind the reassignment, but sources suggest the change aligns with the administration’s reform agenda and its increasing reliance on geospatial intelligence in planning, infrastructure development, and security mapping. (The Nation)