“Ibadan Tragedy Exposes Critical Need for Regulation of Mining Sector”
The recent explosion in Ibadan, attributed to illicit mining activities, has highlighted the urgent necessity for the government to enforce stricter regulations within the mining sector. Occurring on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the catastrophic incident resulted in extensive destruction to numerous residential and public buildings.
The repercussions of the explosion were profound, leading to the complete obliteration of four houses and substantial damage to 10 others. Additionally, over 100 buildings within a 2,000-metre radius suffered minor destruction. Notable structures, including the state secretariat and the University College Hospital (UCH), incurred varying degrees of damage.
Tragically, the event claimed the lives of five individuals, with 77 others sustaining injuries. In the aftermath, numerous families, including that of former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, faced displacement due to the devastating impact on their homes. Another victim, a returnee from the United Kingdom, had just arrived in the city with aspirations of starting a new chapter in his hometown.
This catastrophic incident underscores the critical failure of intelligence and surveillance within the country, revealing significant gaps in the monitoring and oversight of mining activities in the area. The storage of a sizable quantity of explosives within a residential zone without the knowledge of security agencies raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the agencies responsible for overseeing such matters.
Illegal mining activities pose substantial risks to the environment, public health, security, and Nigeria’s economy. According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the country suffered staggering losses amounting to approximately N16.25 trillion from illegal mining between 2009 and 2020. This illicit practice has also been connected to the proliferation of explosives, banditry, and human trafficking within the country.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Federal Executive Council has taken proactive measures by establishing a committee to review the laws governing the control of explosives in Nigeria. The committee’s objective is to investigate potential violations of laws by the illegal miners identified in preliminary investigations.
Looking ahead, it is imperative for the government to enhance the capacity and collaboration of relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency. This will facilitate the effective enforcement of mining laws and regulations, as well as the monitoring and control of explosive usage within the country.
Furthermore, fortifying the legal and institutional framework for the intelligence and security sector is crucial, along with promoting cooperation among various intelligence and security agencies. This involves proactive engagement with citizens and civil society through awareness programs, feedback mechanisms, and protections for whistleblowers and informants.
The devastating explosion in Ibadan serves as a solemn reminder of the urgent need for regulatory measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The government must take decisive action to avert the recurrence of such incidents and protect the lives and welfare of its citizens.
