Kwara Govt Orders Chinese firm to Vacate Mining Site along Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road

Kwara Govt Orders Chinese firm to Vacate Mining Site along Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road

The Kwara State Government has ordered a China Kaidi Quarry site, along Eiyenkorin-Ogbomoso road, Ilorin to, with immediate effect, stop activities on the site so as to prevent looming land degradation in the area.

The General Manager, Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, Alhaji Saad Ayuba Dan-Musa gave the directive during the agency’s visit to the Quarry site, along Eiyenkorin-Ogbomoso road, Ilorin, the state capital.

Dan-Musa issued the company a query and therefore directed it to stop further blasting until the agency completes its assesment.
The company was given 72-hours to respond to the agency’s query, noting that the blasting might destroy the bridge and part of the Express road.

The General Manager said the visit to the quarry site was aimed at assessing its compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational efficiency, saying that continued blasting in the area may lead to ecological hazards.

“The Kwara State Government cares not only about its people but also the environment and would do everything within its power to protect them. Our visit is to ensure that the activities of your company do not lead to degradation on our lands, such that people living in this area are not exposed to dangers, and that the lives of your workers who are mostly Nigerians are adequately protected”, Dan-Musa said.

He disclosed that the inspection visit was in response to the growing concerns regarding the safety of workers, and environmental impact of quarrying activities in the area, especially the impact from blasting in the neighbourhood.

Dan-Musa, however, assured the quarry Management of continued support from government in its pursuit of responsible and sustainable mining practices, adding that government would closely monitor the quarry’s progress and take necessary actions to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

In the team were Head of Environmental Impact Assessment, Mrs. Nusirat AbdulRazaq; Planning Officer of the Agency, Mr. Musbaudeen Adedoyin; and Senior Scientific Officer, Mr. Isiaq Jamiu, among others.