Group flays illegal Abia granite mining, lauds govt on clean cooking plan

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 called on:

1. Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Government to immediately halt all quarrying-related activities in Imobi Community pending full investigation.
2. 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.
3. Enforcement of a transparent, inclusive, and community-wide consultation process.
4. Conduct of an independent and credible Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
5. Protection of Imobi people from environmental degradation, livelihood loss, and social conflict.

The group stated: “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.”

In a related development, FENRAD has congratulated the Abia State Government on the official launch of the Abia State Clean Cooking Plan, describing it as a landmark policy initiative that reflects visionary leadership, environmental responsibility, and a strong commitment to public health and sustainable development.

FENRAD particularly commends the Abia State Ministry of Environment, with special recognition to the Department of Climate Change, for providing strategic leadership and effective coordination in the development of the Plan.

According to the organisation, the effort underscores Abia State’s proactive response to climate change, environmental degradation, and energy poverty, while promoting climate-resilient and low-emission development pathways.

The organisation applauds the Abia State Government for prioritising clean cooking solutions as a critical intervention to reduce household air pollution, curb deforestation, and address the disproportionate health impacts associated with traditional cooking methods, especially on women and children.

FENRAD noted that the Clean Cooking Plan represents a bold and timely policy instrument that aligns with Nigeria’s national development priorities and international climate and sustainable development commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The organisation also acknowledged the vital technical and institutional support provided by the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED) in the development of the Plan. FENRAD stated that ICEED’s partnership ensured that the framework is evidence-based, inclusive, and responsive to local realities, while remaining fully aligned with the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Nigeria’s National Clean Cooking Plan.

This alignment, FENRAD emphasised, strengthens policy coherence and enhances the prospects for effective and sustainable implementation.

Furthermore, FENRAD commended the inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach adopted by the Abia State Government and the Ministry of Environment, noting that it reflects a clear understanding that clean cooking is not merely an energy issue but a cross-cutting development priority that advances public health, gender equity, environmental protection, climate mitigation, and economic empowerment.

As a civil society organisation committed to environmental rights, climate justice, and sustainable livelihoods, FENRAD reaffirmed its readiness to support the Abia State Ministry of Environment and its Department of Climate Change in the implementation of the Clean Cooking Plan through community engagement, advocacy, policy monitoring, and strategic partnerships.

The organisation stressed that sustained political commitment, adequate financing, and strong institutional collaboration will be essential to translating the Plan into tangible benefits for households across both urban and rural communities in Abia State

FENRAD expressed confidence that the successful implementation of the Abia State Clean Cooking Plan would significantly improve public health outcomes, reduce environmental degradation, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the people of Abia State.