With Abuja’s rapid urban expansion, the booming demand for granite, sand and gravel, vital materials, has turned the Federal Capital Territory into a magnet for quarry investors. NICHOLAS KALU and JULIANA AGBO write that while this industry flourishes, local communities are left to bear its brunt, with little oversight and fewer protections.
As Nigeria’s capital city rapidly expands, so too does the demand for construction materials such as granite, sand and gravel.
However, in the shadows of Abuja’s gleaming skyscrapers and sprawling estates, another story unfolds, one of communities choking on dust, homes shaken by daily explosions and lives imperiled by unchecked quarry operations.
For residents of Mpape, Kubwa, Bwari and other satellite towns, the boom of dynamite and the haze of quarry dust are an unwelcome part of daily life.
These suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have become a great concern in terms of environmental degradation and public health hazards. This is because of the unchecked activities of quarry operators in the area.
Quarrying in Abuja has become a lucrative business, driven by the capital’s high-paced infrastructural development. The FCT is rich in granite and other solid minerals, making it a hotspot for investors in the quarry business. Dozens of quarry sites, legal and illegal, dot the outskirts of the city.
But, as these operations expand, so do their risks. Frequent blasting of rock formations creates tremors that damage nearby homes, while clouds of silica-rich dust pose long-term health hazards.
The Nation learnt that before the last tremor that occurred from September 13 to 17 2024, Abuja has experienced earth tremors in the years 2018, 2020 and 2021. Notably, significant tremors occurred in the Mpape area from September 5 to 7, 2018 and in 2021.
However, environmental activists and health experts warn that prolonged exposure can cause silicosis, chronic bronchitis and even lung cancer. Residents are raising the alarm over the devastating impact of incessant blasting, dust pollution, bad roads and structural damage to homes, which they say are making life unbearable.
Health and environmental concerns
One of the major issues plaguing Mpape, Kubwa and Bwari residents is air pollution. The constant explosions at nearby quarries release immense dust clouds that settle over homes, schools and businesses.
Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to this dust, which contains silica particles, can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and even lung cancer.
A pulmonologist at a private hospital in Abuja, Dr. Obot Anthony stated that they see many cases of respiratory issues in communities close to these sites, especially among children and the elderly.
According to him, many of the quarries do not adhere to safety or environmental regulations.
Residents of the Arab Road axis of Kubwa, particularly areas such as Mango Tree, Catholic Church, NNPC and the entire stretch of the road, complained about the constant dust in the air as a result of the bad and dusty road caused by the quarry activities.
A local business owner, Musa Ibrahim, said many of their children are developing breathing problems and no one seems to do anything about it.
He said: “Every day, we wake up to layers of dust covering our furniture, floors and even food.”
The explosions, which happen so close to residential houses, release smoke and toxic fumes into the air, further exacerbating respiratory issues. At Arab Road, Kubwa, by Catholic Annunciation Church, which serves as a major junction for the trucks conveying the material, activities are intensified; making it a nightmare for shop owners and residents.
Most of them wish that the firms, at least, pay attention to the quality of the road since they are doing business on it.
“This is to avoid our continuous breathe in of fumes and dust all day,” Ebuka, a shop owner at the junction, said.
Another resident who is based at Mpape, Rose Agada, complained that the air quality has significantly worsened, making it difficult for residents to breathe, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
Beyond air pollution, structural damage to homes and businesses is another pressing concern. Quarry explosions, especially those caused by the use of dynamites, cause tremors that have resulted in cracked walls, weakened foundations and, in some cases, the partial collapse of buildings. Many residents fear that continued blasting could lead to more severe disasters.
The impact of quarrying is not only airborne. Studies have shown that water bodies near quarry sites are often contaminated with heavy metals, affecting both human health and agricultural productivity.
A resident of Bwari, Adam Bello said quarry activities have been affecting their borehole.
“Water from our borehole used to be clear and clean, but now, it’s often muddy and has a strange taste. We suspect it’s from the quarry up the hill.
“Soil erosion and deforestation further compound the problem. Vegetation stripped for access roads and blasting zones leaves the earth bare and prone to washouts, destroying farmland and increasing the risk of landslides,” he said.
A landlord at Mpape, Aisha Sule, whose house has suffered extensive damage, said they have reported the issues to the authorities multiple times, but they are slow to respond.
“We live in fear, unsure of when the next explosion will occur and probably cause greater harm.”
Another major consequence of quarry activities is the destruction of roads in these suburbs. The heavy-duty trucks transporting quarry materials have degraded road conditions significantly; creating large potholes and making commuting more and more difficult. Residents complain that these bad roads have led to frequent vehicle breakdowns and accidents.
“The roads in our community have been completely destroyed by these quarry trucks,” says Samuel Ade, a taxi driver in Kubwa.
“We spend more money repairing our vehicles than earning a living. The government needs to fix these roads before more lives are lost,” he said.
A resident of Olaofe Crescent of Arab Road decried the deteriorating state of the road due to the activities of the quarry and the heavy-duty trucks they operate.
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A resident of Olaofe Crescent, Arab Road, Chukwudi Obasi said: “The state of the road is becoming unbearable. These quarry trucks pass through daily, and the road has completely broken down in many spots. Potholes have turned into craters, and during the rainy season, it becomes a nightmare. Our vehicles are constantly damaged, and pedestrians, especially children and the elderly, are at risk. The government must take responsibility and either fix the road or stop these trucks from destroying our community. We also urge that something be done to fix the road in the short-term”
Another problem associated with the quarry business is the incessant noise from quarry activities that has left residents frustrated. The loud explosions from dynamites disrupt sleep patterns and cause undue stress, particularly for children and elderly residents. Many complain of headaches, anxiety and general discomfort due to the relentless noise pollution.
Despite the Federal Government’s guidelines on environmental impact assessments (EIAs), enforcement remains weak.
On the weak regulatory enforcement, a senior level officer at the Ministry of Environment who didn’t want his name in print noted that many quarries operate with expired licenses or flout conditions designed to protect surrounding communities.
According to the official, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society has called for stricter monitoring and sanctions, but progress is slow.
“The agencies that oversee these activities are underfunded and understaffed,” the official noted.
Despite these mounting concerns, residents believe that regulatory agencies have failed in their responsibility to ensure that quarry operators adhere to environmental and safety standards.
An environmental lawyer, Ikechukwu Michael, noted that there are existing laws meant to regulate mining activities and protect the well-being of communities, but enforcement has been weak as this has allowed quarry operators to carry on their businesses with little regard for public health and safety.
Call for government intervention
In the circumstances, residents have called on the government to take urgent action. They demand stricter enforcement of environmental laws, relocation of quarries far from residential areas and compensation for those whose properties have been damaged.
Environmental activists have also urged the government to conduct thorough assessments of the health impacts of quarry operations in the affected areas of the FCT.
“We need policies that will prioritise human lives over profits,” says environmental advocate, James Oke.
“Quarry operations should not be allowed to destroy the environment and endanger communities,” he said.
Recently, the House of Representatives launched an investigation into the excessive use of explosives by ZEBERCED Quarry, located along Arab Road in Kubwa, Abuja, following mounting complaints of environmental degradation, health hazards and infrastructure damage caused by its operations.
The motion covered other areas where similar activities were going on in the FCT. The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Ismail Kayode Tijjani (Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun, Kwara State), who raised concerns over the quarry’s negative impact on local communities.
He noted that the persistent detonation of explosives has led to serious noise pollution, causing auditory impairments, respiratory issues and psychological distress, particularly among children and the elderly.
He also warned that the continuous ground vibrations from these explosions have significantly weakened buildings and infrastructure in the area, creating the risk of structural collapse and severe property damage.
Beyond health and safety concerns, the lawmaker highlighted how heavy-duty trucks transporting materials from the quarry have worsened road conditions, leading to frequent vehicular accidents, economic losses, and mobility challenges for residents.
He further argued that these activities violate key environmental and mining regulations, particularly the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (2007), which prohibits mining activities that endanger human life, property and the environment, as well as the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (1992), which mandates proper assessment and mitigation planning for industrial activities likely to affect public health.
Despite these clear violations, Tijjani expressed alarm that no substantial regulatory action has been taken to protect affected residents.
The House directed its Committee on Solid Minerals to assess the situation and, if necessary, recommend the immediate revocation of ZEBERCED Quarry’s operating license.
The lawmakers also summoned the management of the quarry, along with officials from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, for an investigative hearing to determine the extent of the damage caused by the company’s operations.
To ensure regulatory compliance, the House mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to oversee the enforcement of necessary measures.
Additionally, lawmakers ordered ZEBERCED Quarry to begin immediate rehabilitation of roads that have been degraded by its activities to restore safe mobility for residents.
Emphasising the urgency of the matter, the House stressed that immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further environmental degradation, public health risks and potential loss of lives in the affected communities.
Way forward
If left unchecked, the continued operations of quarries in these suburbs could have long-term consequences for both the health and safety of residents.
Without immediate government intervention, the quality of life in the area will continue to deteriorate, leaving many at risk of serious health complications and potential structural disasters.
Grace Nwosu, a resident of Arab Road, Kubwa, said: “We’ve been crying out for years concerning the hazards that we experience as a result of the activities of the quarry businesses, but nothing has been done about it. Every time there’s blasting at the quarry, my windows rattle like there’s an earthquake.
“My children can’t even sleep peacefully at night because of the noise and fear. The government needs to stop these quarry operations close to residential areas before we start counting casualties. Our health and peace of mind are at stake.”
Mohammed Garba, a business owner in Mpape said: “As someone running a business here, I see the dust levels daily, it settles on my shelves, on the medicine packs. It’s dangerous for people’s health.
“Customers complain about the air quality, especially those with asthma. The government must relocate these quarries farther and enforce environmental regulations. People shouldn’t have to choose between earning a living and breathing clean air.”
A teacher and Bwari Resident, Mrs Benedicta Adamu, also said: “We are not against development or business, but not at the expense of human lives. Our schools are affected, and the children can’t concentrate when there’s a blast. The walls of some buildings around here crack. The authorities must listen and act now. If they don’t, we fear things could collapse, literally and figuratively.”
The voices of Mpape, Kubwa and Bwari residents and other such areas in the FCT, must not go unheard and urgent measures must be taken to safeguard their well-being.
While reacting to the development, the Department of Mineral Resources of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) claimed that the Federal Government is in charge and should be approached for reaction.
