The Edo State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, has successfully mediated a resolution to the ongoing dispute between the Sand Quarry Owners and the Edo State Tipper Drivers Association concerning allegations of price hikes and operational conflicts.
Announced on Wednesday April 23, 2025, by the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, the agreement followed over two weeks of negotiations involving key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Mines, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Edo State Transport Authority, and representatives from both associations.
The temporary ban on sand quarry activities, initially imposed due to complaints about illegal operations and tax evasion by some quarry owners, has now been lifted. However, Hon. Ijegbai warned that the lifting of the ban does not permit exploitation and stressed ongoing weekly monitoring to ensure compliance with the agreement.
He urged quarry owners to complete the ongoing verification exercise and warned that unlicensed operators would face closure.
The Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority, Hon. Henshaw Oligbi, called for peace in the transport sector and warned that any breach of the agreement would attract sanctions.
Both association leaders expressed gratitude and committed to abiding by the terms, marking a significant step toward peace and economic stability in Edo State’s mining sector.
