Group flays illegal granite mining in Abia community, seeks govt intervention – EnviroNews

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The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an environmental advocacy group, has condemned alleged illegal granite mining activities in Imobi Autonomous Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. The group says that it supports the peaceful protest staged by women of the community demanding urgent government intervention.

FENRAD expresses concern over reports that granite quarrying activities are being initiated without due process, community-wide consent, a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or a Community Development Agreement (CDA), as required under Nigerian environmental and mining laws.

Allegations of Illegal Consent and Community Exclusion

According to information available to FENRAD, a small group of individuals allegedly signed consent documents and registered a mining company without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the broader Imobi Autonomous Community, which comprises Amaedi, Amanyanwu, and Onuzo villages.

Placards displayed during the protest carried messages such as: “The consent letter was signed by improper persons and should be forfeited”, “No community development agreement, no quarry operations”, and “Lime I International Nigeria Ltd is not known to our community”.

The grievances, stated FENRAD, raise serious questions about transparency, legitimacy, and compliance with extant laws governing extractive activities in Nigeria.

Environmental and Public Health Risks

FENRAD warns that granite quarrying, if conducted without strict environmental safeguards, poses severe and irreversible environmental and health risks, including:

1. Land degradation and loss of fertile farmlands
2. Pollution of surface and groundwater sources
3. Air pollution from dust particles (PM2.5 and PM10) leading to respiratory illnesses
4. Noise and vibration impacts that may damage buildings and cause psychological stress
5. Destruction of biodiversity and natural vegetation
6. Public safety hazards, including blasting accidents and abandoned quarry pits

Rural communities like Imobi, which depend heavily on agriculture and natural water sources, are said to be vulnerable to these impacts.

Violation of Environmental and Mining Laws

FENRAD emphasises that under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (Cap E12 LFN 2004) and other relevant regulations:

1. No quarrying activity should commence without a comprehensive EIA
2. Host communities must be fully consulted and involved
3. A Community Development Agreement is mandatory
4. Environmental protection and land reclamation plans must be in place
5. Any operation carried out in violation of these provisions is illegal and subject to revocation.
6. Position of Traditional Authority

FENRAD also notes with concern the disclosure by the traditional ruler of Imobi Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Simeon Chimezie Chukwuemeka (Imobi IV), through the community’s Secretary General, that the alleged consent was obtained without the knowledge or approval of the traditional institution or the community at large.

This development further underscores the need for immediate government scrutiny and intervention.

FENRAD’s Demands

In line with its mandate to promote environmental justice, community rights, and sustainable development, 

FENRAD hereby calls on:

Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Government to immediately halt all quarrying-related activities in Imobi Community pending full investigation.

The Abia State Ministry of Environment and relevant regulatory agencies to verify the legality of all permits, consent letters, and company registrations associated with the proposed quarry.

Enforcement of a transparent, inclusive, and community-wide consultation process.

Conduct of an independent and credible Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Protection of Imobi people from environmental degradation, livelihood loss, and social conflict

.

Conclusion

FENRAD commends the women of Imobi Autonomous Community for their peaceful, lawful, and courageous advocacy in defense of their environment, health, and future generations. Their action reflects a broader national concern over extractive activities that prioritize profit over people and the environment.

The Foundation reiterates that development must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability, community rights, and the rule of law.