The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to investigate the excessive use of explosives by quarry companies across the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
The resolution was reached on Thursday after the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary by Tijani Ismail, the lawmaker representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency of Kwara State.
Ismail informed the House that ZEBERCED Quarry, located along Arab Road in Kubwa, Abuja, had been operating with significant negative effects on the surrounding communities, causing damage to houses, buildings, and other infrastructure.
He said, “The House is aware that the persistent detonation of explosives from the quarry has led to serious noise pollution, resulting in auditory impairments, respiratory health issues, and psychological distress, especially among children and elderly residents.
“We are concerned that the continuous ground vibrations from quarry explosions have weakened buildings and infrastructure in the area, creating the potential for structural collapse and severe property damage, endangering lives.
“We are also concerned that heavy-duty trucks transporting materials from the quarry have deteriorated road infrastructure, leading to increased vehicular accidents, economic losses, and mobility challenges for residents.”
The lawmaker also accused quarry companies of breaching key provisions of Nigerian laws.
He stated that their activities violate the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, “which prohibits mining operations that endanger human life, property, and the environment (Sections 61 & 116).”
Furthermore, he argued that the companies were in violation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (1992), which mandates that any industrial activity likely to affect public health must undergo proper assessment and mitigation planning.
Lamenting the lack of regulatory enforcement, Ismail noted, “That despite clear violations of environmental and public health laws, no substantial regulatory action has been taken to protect affected residents.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committee on Solid Minerals to assess whether ZEBERCED Quarry had violated health and safety regulations and recommend the immediate revocation of its operating license if found guilty.
Additionally, the Committee on Solid Minerals was mandated to summon the management of ZEBERCED Quarry, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and other relevant agencies for an investigative hearing to evaluate the health impact of the quarry’s operations.