News
Anambra Tipper Drivers, Sand Miners Protest Govt Harassment, Allege ₦5m Extortion
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Tipper drivers and sand miners operating in Anambra State have protested what they called persistent harassment and extortion of their members by a government agency known as Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state aka Ocha Brigade to the tune of over N5 million.
The groups raised the alarm on Friday during a peaceful protest at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Office, Onitsha.
Addressing the NIWA Area Manager in Onitsha, Sir Victor Nwaokeocha, the President-General of the Anambra State Sand Miners Association, Mr. Christopher Mbaegbu, said the purpose of the protest was to formally complain to NIWA, which he described as their “landlord,” over the continued harassment of their members by Ocha Brigade.
According to Mbaegbu, sand miners and tipper drivers are forced to flee their business locations daily due to alleged intimidation by Ocha Brigade operatives.
“I do not understand why Anambra State should be different from other states in Nigeria,” he said.
He narrated a recent incident in which more than 20 tipper trucks, pay loaders, and other equipment were allegedly seized by the Ocha Brigade and taken to Upper Iweka Flyover.
“Just last Friday, they impounded over 20 trucks, seized our equipment, and arrested more than 21 workers, including drivers and even women carrying babies.
They detained them for two days, and we spent over ₦1 million before they were released,” Mbaegbu stated.
He questioned how long they would continue to suffer such treatment, stressing that the arrests took place within areas approved by NIWA for sand mining activities.
Mbaegbu further queried whether they were expected to obey federal or state authorities, noting that NIWA and the Federal Ministry of Mines had issued them valid permits.
“If the documents given to us by NIWA and the Ministry of Mines are not relevant, they should tell us so we can know who to follow. Every day we are on the run.
He alleged that tipper trucks loaded with sand are often seized and held for over a week, while detainees are reportedly released only after paying between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000 per person.
“We want the governor to see what we are going through and intervene. We have licences. We met all requirements before NIWA and the Ministry of Mines approved our operations. Why then is the Anambra State Government preventing us from doing our lawful business?” he said.
Mbaegbu disclosed that the association had written several letters to the Anambra State Government, seeking guidance on how to operate legally without harassment, but received no response.
“If you meet the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, he will tell you that it is Prof. Charles Oforegbu who will release our vehicles.
We do not even know our offence. We want the governor to tell us what our sins are,” he added.
He further alleged that Ocha Brigade operatives invade their business premises, arrest members and sales attendants, and confiscate equipment without stating any offence, only instructing them to report to Awka.
“What is most painful is that these arrests happen within the limits approved by federal law. They even seal our business areas that fall under the exclusive list of the Federal Government,” he said.
Mbaegbu explained that the miners operate under dual federal oversight from NIWA and the Ministry of Mines and have submitted all relevant documents to the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General’s office, and the Commissioner for Mining.
“We are not operating outside NIWA jurisdiction. We will also formally report to the Federal Ministry of Mines,” he added.
Also speaking, a sand miner, Mr. Uche Okafor, said they visited NIWA to report the hardship they face from state authorities despite possessing federal permits.
According to him, the alleged harassment began in 2024 when the Ocha Brigade Managing Director, Celestine Anere, “abandoned his primary duties to assume the role of overseer of miners across the state.”
“As I speak, my wheel loader,purchased last year with my life savings for over ₦200 million was forcefully seized last Friday and taken to Upper Iweka.
This equipment is highly sensitive. Mishandling it could cause serious damage costing a fortune,” Okafor lamented.
He alleged that when he approached Anere to inquire about his offence, he was told the action was “an order from above.”
Okafor further claimed that although Anere does not directly demand money, detainees are allegedly referred to junior officers for negotiations.
“I was told to pay ₦5 million before my wheel loader would be released. The machine committed no offence.
This has been our experience since 2024. We pay IGR to the state and also pay daily loading fees,” he said.
In his remarks, the President of the Anambra State Tipper Drivers Association, Prince Augustine Akigwe, urged the state government to clearly define approved and prohibited operational zones.
“Even when we approached Prof. Oforegbu we were referred back to Ocha Brigade, yet no clear directive has been given to date,” he said.
Akigwe appealed to Governor Soludo to intervene, describing him as a listening governor who may not be aware of what the operators are experiencing.
“We are among the major contributors to state revenue, yet we are not allowed to operate in peace,” he added.
Responding, the NIWA Area Manager, Sir Victor Nwaokeocha, expressed concern that the governor had allegedly allowed state actors to act irresponsibly toward taxpayers for years without checks.
He stated that NIWA had written several letters to the Anambra State Attorney-General, Commissioner for Justice, Ocha Brigade, and even the State House of Assembly. He said he personally reported the matter to the Speaker of the Assembly.
“I do not understand why people duly issued permits by appropriate authorities are being harassed. NIWA is a federal agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with exclusive authority over inland waterways. There is even a Supreme Court judgment in NIWA’s favour,” he said.
Nwaokeocha cited Section 13(2) of the NIWA Act, which prohibits any person or state authority from obstructing waterways or engaging in sand, gravel, or stone extraction without NIWA approval.
“The governor should urgently call his state actors to order,” he added.
He disclosed that the matter has been reported to NIWA headquarters in Abuja and that he would personally submit petitions and supporting documents next week.
Reacting, the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, denied allegations of harassment and extortion.
He maintained that operators must register with the Anambra State Government before operating.
“We have told them repeatedly that they must register with the state. Anyone without state approval should not mine or carry sand,” he said.
Anere added that tipper drivers damage state roads by spilling sand and water.
“Go to Marine Road and other areas; you will see the destruction caused. Our concern is regulation. They must obtain state-approved licences to operate,” he said.
He argued that even though sand mining sites may fall under federal jurisdiction, the operators still use state roads and must comply with state regulations.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”
The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.
No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.
The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.
The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.
Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.
Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.
The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
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