Bayelsa State is set to establish a new regulatory body to oversee black sand mining and other activities affecting its waterways, following growing concerns over environmental damage and illegal extraction in coastal communities.
The move comes after a Supreme Court ruling in favour of Bayelsa State and Lagos State affirming their authority over the management of activities on the surface of their waterways.
Governor Douye Diri made this known during the 189th meeting of the State Executive Council held at the Government House in Yenagoa, the state capital.
He explained that the judgment followed a legal challenge against the Federal Government over control of the states’ waterways, which ended in favour of both states at the apex court.
According to him, the state’s Attorney-General has been directed to carefully review the ruling to provide a legal framework for creating a dedicated waterways management agency.
Once established, the agency will regulate all activities on Bayelsa’s waterways, including the extraction and movement of black sand and other natural resources.
Diri also raised concerns over illegal black sand mining, warning that unregulated operations pose serious environmental risks. He stressed that while the government supports job creation for young people, such activities must be lawful and environmentally sustainable.
He noted that black sand is a valuable natural resource found across parts of Bayelsa, but warned that improper exploitation could worsen erosion, destroy aquatic ecosystems, and deepen environmental degradation already experienced from years of oil exploration.
The governor further alleged that some operators, including foreign interests, have been extracting and transporting black sand from coastal and offshore areas without proper approval from either state or federal authorities.
He directed the Ministry of Environment to strengthen engagement with operators and ensure that more value is added locally rather than allowing raw materials to be taken out without benefits to the state.
Diri added that the government plans to back the new regulatory approach with legislation, which will be sent to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.
He also urged residents, especially young people, to verify information before reacting to government policies, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using natural resources for sustainable development.
State officials in the information and environment ministries have also been tasked with sensitising the public on the government’s position regarding black sand mining and environmental protection.