The Illegal Quarry at Ijigba, Ondo State: An Environmental Menace and Child Labor Issue

The presence of an illegal quarry in Ijigba, Ondo state has raised serious concerns due to its non-compliance with the 2007 Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act. The quarry has not only caused significant damage to the landscape and infrastructure of the area, but has also resulted in the exploitation of child labour. This report aims to explore the environmental degradation caused by the quarry, as well as the troubling issue of child labour within its premises.

The poor condition of the Ijoka Road-Cannan Land-Ijigba to Oda road has been linked to the activities of tipper drivers and the illegal quarry. Local residents have voiced their grievances, highlighting the destruction of the landscape, road, and water sources. The quarry, which operates under an unspecified name, utilizes rudimentary equipment and lacks proper safety measures. Additionally, reports of a worker’s fatality at the site as a result of a hill cave-in raise significant safety concerns.

The quarry’s placement in a residential area constitutes a blatant violation of the 2007 Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act. The indiscriminate mining of laterites has led to erosion and the destruction of nearby residences. Of even greater concern is the involvement of children in the quarry’s operations, a direct contravention of the Child Rights Act of 2003. The presence of children without adequate personal protective equipment further exacerbates the issue of child labour.

Attempts to ascertain the exact ownership of the quarry have proven unsuccessful, as the ownership remains shrouded in secrecy. Members of a family operating under the guidance of an individual known as Omojesu have been identified as the operators of the site. The deceptive promise to construct new roads for the community has only resulted in extensive environmental degradation and erosion.

The conflicting roles of government agencies have further complicated the matter, with the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals at odds. The failure of the Federal Ministry of Mines to regulate and enforce mining laws has allowed for the continuous exploitation of natural resources and the environment. The absence of accountability and oversight in the industry has perpetuated corruption and malpractices.

As the regulatory authorities engage in a power struggle, the community continues to endure environmental degradation and the exploitation of child labour. It is essential for both the state and federal government to promptly and collaboratively address these issues, in order to mitigate the adverse impact of the illegal quarry on the environment and the well-being of the community. This investigation serves as a call to action for the enforcement of mining regulations and the protection of vulnerable individuals and the environment.