…Seeks Govt Intervention.
The Imo State Dredgers and Excavators Association has cried out over what it described as persistent harassment, intimidation, and extortion by individuals allegedly acting on behalf of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in the state.
This is even coming as they commended the state Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his notable achievements in the mining sector while appealing for his intervention to address the recurring embarrassment caused by NIWA.
In a Press Conference held in Owerri recently, their legal representatives led by Barr. Oluchukwu Ijere Nnabugwu, alleged that for over six months, its members have been subjected to repeated disruptions at various operational sites across Owerri and surrounding areas, including Ihiagwa, Nekede, Obinze–OMgbirichi, Umuagwo.
The association stated that its members operate with valid federal mining licenses issued by the Ministry of Mines. In addition, they comply with necessary state regulations, despite mining being an exclusive-list activity under federal jurisdiction.
While commending Governor Hope Uzodimma for establishing a dedicated department to oversee mining-related activities and appointing a knowledgeable legal practitioner to supervise the ministry, the association expressed concern over escalating incidents of harassment allegedly carried out by NIWA officers, agents, and consultants.
They identified individuals such as Onyeka Ani, Goephey Ezenwa, Ndubusi Okechukwu (Okoye), and the NIWA State Director, Austin Odia, as being involved in shutting down operational sites, selling dredged sand, and allegedly diverting proceeds into personal accounts under the guise of federal authorization.
The association further accused the individuals of operating with the backing of security escorts, including Naval personnel, a development they described as shocking and unacceptable. They argued that with the federal government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy, no legitimate agency should collect payments into private accounts or engage in on-site negotiations.
“We have issued several warning letters and a pre-action notice to NIWA, yet nothing has changed. We have also reported these activities to the DSS and Police,” the statement read.
The association reminded authorities that a Federal High Court judgment in Uyo, as well as an Appeal Court decision, had barred NIWA from collecting levies or interfering with mining operations, affirming that such activities fall strictly under the Ministry of Mines.
They called on the national leadership of NIWA, security agencies, and particularly the Nigerian Navy to immediately withdraw support from individuals engaging in what they termed illegal activities driven by private interests.
The group vowed to pursue all necessary legal actions to protect the rights of its members, urging dredgers across the state not to yield to any unlawful demands.
“We trust that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently condemned double taxation and illegal revenue practices, will address this matter promptly,” the association stated.
Efforts to reach NIWA spokesperson Vincent Odia were unsuccessful, as his phone number was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
