Quarry operators caution FCT residents against building near sites

The Quarry Owners Association of Nigeria has cautioned residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against building houses near their sites due to the dangers associated with their operations. The president of the association, Alhaji Nasir Ibrahim, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on the Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) […]

The Quarry Owners Association of Nigeria has cautioned residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against building houses near their sites due to the dangers associated with their operations.

The president of the association, Alhaji Nasir Ibrahim, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on the Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) for mining activities in the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters (DSMAM), FCT Administration (FCTA).

Alhaji Ibrahim said quarry operators usually operate in non-residential areas due to the nature of their activities, but shortly after starting operations, houses were often built close to their sites.

Represented by the association’s Secretary, Mr. Lawal Mohammed, he expressed concern that when they cautioned against such actions, residents became adamant and insisted on remaining near the sites despite the dangers.

“When you talk, most of the people say they are the owners of their lives. They have gotten the land from the landowners, so this is the land they have and they have to build their houses there,” he said.

He said regulations guiding their operations had stipulated the required distance they were supposed to maintain from residential areas to avoid risks such as flying rocks during major blasting, and vibrations, among others.

According to him, even though the FCTA is advocating for safety measures during mining operations, everyone has a role to play in achieving safety, such as building away from hazardous sites, which the government should enforce.

He said that the quarry sector, through its value chain, was creating many job opportunities for the unemployed, particularly youths, which could expand further if the sector was repositioned and not over-regulated.

On his part, the FCT Mine Officer, Mr. Mohammed Bature, said the government was aware of challenges in the sector, including the environmental impact of mining activities and revenue leakages.

Represented by Mr. Adejoh Raphael, the Principal Technical Officer of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, he underscored the importance of the sector being on the exclusive list of the Federal Government, noting its potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP. (NAN)