The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed Dai Jin Jia Quarry, Aco Village, Airport Road, Abuja, due to significant environmental violations.
Speaking with newsmen on Monday, March 2, 2026, after the exercise, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the measures were to reinforce the agency’s commitment to environmental safety and community protection.
Barikor, who was represented by Elijah Udofia, Director, Environmental Quality Control in the agency, said that a blasting operation had resulted in the unfortunate loss of a life on Feb. 25.
He said that the quarry was sealed in response to the grievous consequences of its operations.
“This action was taken in accordance with our agency’s commitment to uphold the highest environmental standards and ensure the safety of communities affected by such operations.
“It is distressing to see that in spite of the prior warnings and sealings, the facility chose to continue operations that not only violate National Environmental Regulations but also put lives at risk.
“In the face of this incident, we have taken immediate measures to reinforce our commitment to environmental safety and community protection,” he said.
Barikor recalled that the facility was previously sealed in 2025 due to significant environmental violations.
“The quarry has been sealed again, this time in response to the grievous consequences of its operations,” he said.
Barikor explained that preliminary investigation by officers of the Nigeria Police, Aco Division on Friday, revealed that the quarry did not have documented Blasting Operation Plan.
He said this was in violation of Regulation 17 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
Barikor said the quarry could not produce documented Charge Load Density (CLD) (Quantity of Explosives) used for the blasting operation in violation of Regulation 23 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
He said that the Warning Alarm System (Siren) of the quarry was faulty, as stated by the facility’s blaster during the investigation on Friday.
Barikor said this was in violation of Regulation 23, Section 6 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
He assured the public that all responsible parties would be held accountable.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adherence to environmental regulations. We must prioritise not only compliance with laws but also the safety and well-being of our citizens.
“We urge all operators within the quarry sector and beyond to adhere strictly to the environmental standards set forth by NESREA.
“The safety of the environment and our communities cannot be compromised.
“We will continue to monitor compliance and take necessary actions against violators to ensure such tragedies do not occur in the future.
By Doris Esa