By Grace Oakhiena
The Edo State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, has successfully resolved the long-standing disputes between the Sand Quarry Owners and the Edo State Tipper Drivers Associations over allegations of high-handedness and indiscriminate hike in prices of products.
The resolution was announced on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025, in Benin City by the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, after series of meetings and negotiations that lasted over two weeks. The meeting brought together relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, the Edo State Transport Authority, the Edo Tipper Drivers Association, and the Sand Quarry Owners.
Hon. Ijegbai clarified that apart from the need to intervene in the crisis between the tipper drivers and sand quarry owners, the temporary ban on sand quarry activities in the State was enforced due to various petitions alleging illegal operations of sand quarry owners ranging from invalid operational documents to refusal to pay prescribed taxes and royalties due to governments.
He cautioned that lifting the ban is not a yardstick for both parties to exploit each other, as according to him, there will be weekly report from continuous monitoring of both parties in keeping with the terms of agreement. He emphasised the need for business owners to pay all taxes and royalties due to governments and to conduct their operations within the legal provisions of the law.
The Commissioner advised sand quarry owners to as a matter of urgency, comply with the verification exercise which commenced on Tuesday, 22nd April, 2024 and is still ongoing. He condemned the activities of some sand quarry owners who have been operating without proper licenses in the State, noting that those without licenses will be shut down. He urged sand quarry owners to comply with the verification exercise to avoid the wrath of the law.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority (EDSTA) Hon. Henshaw Oligbi sued for peace in the Transport Sector of the State. He admonished both parties to abide by the resolutions and to avoid future conflicts, warning that anyone found defaulting will be sanctioned by the State Government.
Chairmen of the Tipper Drivers’ Association and the Sand Quarry Owners’ Association expressed gratitude for the resolution of the dispute, expressing satisfaction and willingness to abide by the terms of the agreement.
The development marks a significant step towards promoting peace economic prosperity stability in the mining sector of Edo State, and it is expected that the resolution will bring about lasting peace to enhance the State’s economy.
